21 November 2006

KENYA : Lions edge Guinean side

By Dann O’werre

KCB Lions beat Back of Guinea 69-67 in their second match of the African Masculine Club Championships in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Kenyans, who led 31-22 at half-time in the match played at the Sports Hall on Monday, had one of their own, Juma Ikapian, as the top scorer with 20 points while Greg Odera had 19.

Lions on Sunday fell 67-82 to Inter of Congo in their opening match.

Lions roared to a fine start leading 24-16 in the first quarter before Inter turned the tables with a 38-37 advantage at the break.

In the last half, KCB lost their rhythm after a sudden power failure that lasted for over two hours. When the match resumed, Lions trailed 12-20 in the third and 18-25 in the last.

Brash forward Odera was on top form as he led the team with 23 points, while guard Paul Oloo and centre David Otiso each nailed 10 points.

"The boys were upbeat and we shall improve our performance. As for the first match, we were fine in the first half as the scores. But things did not go well after resumption following a power black-out," said team manager and head of delegation, George Omondi "Nyundo".

Defending champions, ABC of Ivory Coast, got their campaign off to a fine start with a 80-61 win over ESPN of South Africa.

KCB are pooled in an easy group in the tournament.

Omondi, who talked to SportFest from Nigeria, said despite the loss, his inexperienced boys who also lack height, remained confident of a positive show.

"We arrived safely here and have been looking forward to the championships. The 12 teams are all here and we are rearing to go," said Omondi. KCB are pooled in Group A that includes Nigerian powerhouse Dodan Warriors, Zenith (Ivory Coast), Inter (Congo), Back (Guinea), Atletico (Angola.

In Group B are defending champions ABC (Ivory Coast), ESPN (South Africa), Onatra (DR Congo), Africa Sports (Ivory Coast), Primero Agosto (Angola) and Plateau Peak (Nigeria).

Comments: Post a Comment



<< Home

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?