Okari-inspired Kenya Morans hit Mozambique in Kigali

In Kigali, Rwanda

Kenya Morans on Friday downed Mozambique 79-62 in Kigali, Rwanda to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2021 Fiba AfroBasket Championship after a 27-year wait.

Beaten in their opening two Group B matches by Senegal and Angola, Cliff Owuor's Kenya turned up for this encounter well aware that only a comprehensive victory would give them a chance to stay in the hunt for the AfroBasket finals ticket.

And they turned up in style, especially in the third and fourth quarters. After a 19-all opening quarter, Mozambique capitalised on Kenya's early frailties with possession to go into the half-time break three points up at 36-33.

Tylor Okari was Kenya's main architect, pouring in 21 points while Mozambique's dangerman David Canivete Jr had a game-high 22 points.

Mutoro and Nyakinda managed 16 points each while Ligare had seven. Ubissee Simon managed 13 for Mozambique who leave the championship winless after previous defeats to Senegal and Angola.

The 79-62 thumping of Mozambique in their last group match ensured Kenya finished third in the group and within the cut off mark for qualification.

Captain Griffin Ligare, who was playing his first match after arriving late, is the spark Kenya needed to silence the Southern Africans who must now beat Kenya by 19 points in the return match in February to qualify for the finals set for August in Kigali.

Ligare's presence freed Okari, Eric Mutoro and Victor Bosire, who were now shooting at will as he did the play making.

Ronnie Gundo, Airel Okall and Valentine Nyakinda - who was playing in the absence of injured Desmond Owili - did well denying Mozambique inside the paint with steady front court defence.

Kenya's ability to attack the paint improved in the match, out rebounding Mozambique 62-44, while they were also better from beyond the arc, shooting a modest 27 percent to their opponent's poor 13 percent.