Derrick Ogechi shone as Kenya Morans outclassed Ivory Coast in their opening 2023 FIBA AfroCan Group A match that was played on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Kilamba Arena in Luanda, Angola.

The point guard managed three 3-pointers out of eight attempts, four two-pointers, and two free throws to enable Kenya to cruise to the victory. Griffin Ligare was Kenya Moran’s second-leading scorer with 13 points, with Tom Wamukota registering 19 rebounds and eight points.

Eugene Adera contributed eight points and a +10 efficiency with him on the floor; he is also a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Premier League champion and Most Valuable Player Eugene.

Ogechi debuts

Meanwhile, Ogechi, making his debut for the Kenya Morans, knocked down and scored the last basket for the team, which established a lead in Group A.

Kenya Morans trailed only once after they failed to overcome a single-point deficit with the scores at 5-4. They recovered, with points from Fidel Okoth, Ogechi, and Bush Wamukota helping greatly.

Adera, another star who was making his debut, masterfully led Kenya Morans attacking front and managed to hit a late 15-10 first-quarter lead and then hit jumpers. Attacks from Ligare and Brian Shivachi helped Kenya take a 26-24 lead in the middle of the second quarter.

Ogechi, perhaps the undisputable star of the encounter, was available when a three was what Kenya needed. He managed to do it first with 2:44 left to give Kenya a 34-27 lead at the half.

Apart from Kennedy Wachira, Ariel Ortega, and Victor Ochieng, all the other players made vital contributions in the opening fixture for Kenya Morans.

Ivory Coast stars

Meanwhile, Ulrich Mohamed was Ivory Coast’s top scorer with 14 points, and Yacouba Sanogo, who managed to sink 13 points, was second.

This is another victory for Kenya Morans over the West Africans, whom they defeated 85-83 in the 2019 group games in Bamako, Mali.

Okal missing

Kenya Morans did the duty rather impressively without their forward, Ariel Okal, who explained why he was not going to be available for the 12-nation championship.

“Won’t be able to be with the Kenya Morans due to club commitments. The VBL playoffs clash with the AfroCan 2023 tournament dates. Sending all the positive vibes to the squad that will represent us. Moreso, Ken Wachira and my guy Fidel Okoth go kill,” Okal revealed in an earlier statement.

After game one, Kenya Morans are going to take a rest for a day before their second game, which will see them tackle Gabon on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11:30 EAT.