In Kigali
Nairobi City Thunder’s Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025 campaign got off to a rocky start after a resounding 92-63 defeat at the hands of hosts APR Rwanda in a late tip-off clash at a packed BK Arena.
Despite flashes of promise in the opening stages, the Kenyan side couldn’t match APR’s pace, precision, and physicality over four quarters. It was a performance that left Thunder with plenty to reflect on ahead of their next encounter on Sunday.
APR roar past City Thunder in dominant BAL opener
Thunder captain Tyler Ongwae led by example early on, helping the visitors edge a tight first quarter 23-22. His energy and execution gave Thunder hope, but that momentum quickly faded.
Missed opportunities from the free-throw line and costly turnovers allowed APR to wrest control in the second quarter, where they outscored Thunder 39-31.
APR’s defence turned up the heat while their offence, led by the electric Aliou Diarra, found another gear. Diarra was simply unstoppable, finishing the game with 21 points, 12 rebounds, 6 blocks, 4 assists, and 2 steals – a stat line that earned him a well-deserved MVP nod.
Thunder’s struggles deepened in the third quarter, with APR’s bench contributing a crucial 17 points and their transition offence proving too sharp for the Thunder defence. Though Thunder tried to stay within striking distance, the Lions maintained a 59-53 lead going into the final period.
Part of the action between Nairobi City Thunder and APR of Rwanda in a Basketball Africa League (BAL) 2025 match in Kigali on May 17, 2025.
Photo credit: Gladys Midecha | Nation Media Group
The fourth quarter, however, was a nightmare for the visitors. APR ran riot, outscoring Thunder 33-12, as the Kenyan side ran out of both ideas and energy. The Lions’ tactical superiority and relentless pace left Thunder chasing shadows and ultimately suffering a 29-point blowout.
“It was a tough one. We were a little bit out of character today, especially in offence,” admitted Thunder head coach Brad Thomas Ibs after the game.
“The ball stuck too much, and we didn’t move it well enough. That gave them easy possessions, and they punished us in transition.”
Captain Ongwae, who led Thunder with 14 points, echoed his coach’s sentiments.
“We shot the ball really poorly, and that hurt us. But it happens. We just have to regroup, encourage each other, and bounce back stronger tomorrow.”
William Davis III scored 11 points for Thunder, but the rest of the squad struggled to find rhythm against a relentless APR defence. On the other end, Youssoupha Nodye and Chasson Randle also posted double-digit scoring efforts for APR, rounding out a commanding team performance.
Thunder will have little time to dwell on the loss. They return to the court on Sunday for a 3:30pm tip-off (Kenyan time) against Libyan side Al Ahli Tripoli. This will be a must-win match for Thunder if they hope to keep their BAL 2025 campaign alive.
In Sunday’s late fixture, South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers will take on APR Rwanda in what promises to be another thrilling encounter at the BK Arena.
