False start for City Thunder in inaugural BAL campaign in Rwanda

False Start for Nairobi City Thunder in BAL Debut

Kenyan Side Crushed 99-49 by SLAC Conakry in Kigali

Kigali, Rwanda – May 17, 2025 – Kenyan basketball club Nairobi City Thunder endured a tough debut in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) after suffering a 99-49 loss to SLAC Conakry of Guinea in their opening match.

Thunder Struggles Against Physical SLAC Side

Played at the BK Arena in Kigali, the game exposed Thunder’s inability to match the physical dominance and high tempo of their West African opponents. From the first quarter, SLAC controlled the game with strong defensive pressure and fast breaks, leaving Thunder unable to mount a meaningful challenge.

“It was a tough outing. The physicality and intensity of SLAC really overwhelmed us,” said a member of the City Thunder technical bench.

Offensive and Defensive Gaps Cost Thunder Heavily

Thunder struggled both offensively and defensively throughout the game. Their shooting percentage remained low, while turnovers and missed defensive assignments allowed SLAC to capitalize on fast breaks and second-chance opportunities.

Room for Growth in Continental Campaign

Despite the heavy loss, this was City Thunder’s first-ever BAL appearance, marking a historic moment for the Kenyan club. The team is expected to regroup ahead of their next fixtures, with coaches emphasizing the need to adapt quickly to the continental standard of play.

Next Steps in the BAL Journey

The BAL, now in its fourth season, brings together top clubs from across Africa in a high-stakes competition backed by the NBA and FIBA. City Thunder’s next games will be crucial as they seek to bounce back and gain experience on the continental stage.