Mental Collapse Sees KPA Falter in Key Regional Showdown

NAIROBI, KENYA – The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) women's basketball team relinquished a commanding 11-point halftime lead to fall 81-71 to Rwandan side APR in a pivotal Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) Zone Five qualifier. The defeat, which took place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Nyayo Gymnasium, saw the Kenyan champions finish second in their group, setting up a challenging semi-final against another formidable Rwandan opponent, REG.

Head Coach Anthony Ojukwu attributed the loss to a third-quarter breakdown in mental fortitude. "In the third quarter, we were not mentally tough. We cracked," Ojukwu stated in a post-game analysis on Thursday night. "I tried calling for a time out to solve the issue but it was just a matter of mental toughness. We did some errors which we could have avoided if we were ourselves."

A Game of Two Halves

Before the second-half collapse, the Dockers had executed their game plan with precision. For the first two quarters, KPA controlled the tempo, leading 24-17 at the end of the first and extending their advantage to 44-33 by halftime. The team's robust defense effectively neutralized APR's key offensive threats. KPA's Alima Doumbia was instrumental in this effort, diligently marking APR's star guard, Italee Lucas.

KPA's offense in the first half was equally impressive, with Doumbia and Betty Kananu sinking crucial three-pointers. Point guard Ifunanya Okoro orchestrated the plays effectively, seemingly putting KPA on a clear path to victory and securing the top spot in Group A. Both teams had entered the court with perfect 3-0 records in the tournament.

Rwandan Resurgence

However, the narrative shifted dramatically after halftime. APR emerged from the locker room a transformed team, launching an aggressive comeback. They outscored the hosts 21-10 in the third quarter, erasing KPA's lead and changing the complexion of the game entirely. The Rwandan side continued their dominance into the final period, sealing their victory with a 27-17 run.

APR's offensive charge was led by a trio of high-scorers: Kamba Yoro Diakite with 24 points, Italee Lucas adding 20, and Destiny Promise contributing 19. Their combined effort of 63 points proved too much for the Kenyan side to handle. For KPA, Alima Doumbia scored 24 points while Ifunanya Okoro registered a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds, but their efforts were insufficient to stave off the Rwandan onslaught.

Implications for Kenya and the Region

This result underscores the growing basketball rivalry between Kenya and Rwanda, with both nations investing heavily in their clubs to achieve continental success. The loss means KPA, the 2023 Zone champions, now faces a tougher route to qualify for the WBLA finals. They must overcome Group B winners REG in the semi-final scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025. APR will face Les Hippos of Burundi in the other semi-final.

Coach Ojukwu, while disappointed, remained resolute about his team's prospects. "I have told them that we have slipped but we are not down. We will pick ourselves up," he affirmed. The outcome of the semi-final will be critical for Kenyan basketball, as KPA carries the nation's hopes of securing one of the two available spots for the continental finals in December.