Kenya dominates 3x3 basketaball at ANOCA Zone V Games

Kenya and South Sudan claimed the girls’ and boys’ 3x3 basketball titles respectively on Thursday as the 2026 Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone Five Youth Games concluded at Kenyatta University.

Kenya 2, the Under-17 side, dominated the girls’ competition, winning all three stops to collect the maximum 300 points and finish 100 points clear of Uganda.

Uganda took silver with 200 points after finishing second in Stops Two and Three and fourth in the opening stop. South Sudan claimed bronze on 180 points, followed by Kenya 1 on 140 and Ethiopia on 80.

Kenya 2 remained unbeaten throughout the competition, with Chelsea Onamu named the girls’ Most Valuable Player.

Onamu led the hosts to a commanding 20-9 victory over Uganda in Thursday’s final to cap a dominant campaign.

“It’s a good win, especially against Uganda, who have dominated us at the senior level. We have improved with each round and today was a culmination of that hard work,” said Onamu.

“The feeling of representing my country was very nice, and it feels extra special to be named MVP. This is a perfect warm-up for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar,” she added.

Coach Eunice Ouma said the tournament had provided her players with valuable preparation for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar in October.

“The girls now have a taste of what they can expect in Dakar, and they have shown they can compete against the best. The country should be proud of them,” she said.

In the boys’ competition, South Sudan secured the overall title with 160 points from the three stops.

South Sudan won the opening two stops, earning 60 points on each occasion, before finishing second in the third stop for 40 points. Their consistent performances gave them a 20-point advantage over Kenya 1.

Kenya 1 settled for silver with 140 points after finishing second in the first two stops and third in the final stop. Kenya 2 completed the podium in third place with 60 points.

Kenya 1 won the third-stop final 21-18, but the victory was not enough to overturn South Sudan’s overall lead.

Kenya captain Fortune Owuor said the tournament provided valuable lessons for the team.

“South Sudan are a really good side, and I am glad we were able to go toe to toe with them. Silver is an achievement, and we hope to win gold at the next edition,” Owuor said.

The tournament featured three stops, with teams earning points based on their finishing positions at each stage. Five teams competed in the girls’ competition, while three took part in the boys’ event.