Road to BAL: Thunder survive heart-stopping finish to edge Jo’burg Giants

But at the whistle, Nairobi City Thunder who have already booked themselves a place in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Elite 16 semi-finals, held their nerves to win 86-83.

The win saw the Kenyan champions top Group A, ahead of Giants and Namuwongo Blazers of Uganda.

From tip-off, the game was a chess match of offense and defence, with both teams trading blows and refusing to give an inch.

The Kenyans came out firing, with Albert Odero asserting dominance inside the paint, scoring on powerful drives and a dunk that electrified the crowd early.

Tylor Ongwae orchestrated fast breaks with precision, while Lance Robert Thomas found his rhythm under the basket.

Thunder built a steady lead, but the Giants, undeterred, pushed back. Dhieu Abwok Deing sliced through defences with agility, scoring a sensational 27 points and keeping the score line tight.

Nkosinathi Sandile Sibanyoni’s tenacious rebounding proved to be a thorn in thunder's flesh while Joshua Eromosele Ozabor’s sharpshooting ensured the Giants never trailed by much.

As the fourth quarter approached its climax, the tension was palpable. With under two minutes remaining, Thunder clung to a narrow 84- 79 lead.

The Giants unleashed a full-court press, forcing turnovers and ramping up the intensity. They scored four quick points off turnovers, sending chills through the gymnasium.

Every possession mattered. Every pass and shot drew gasps from the crowd. Thunder’s Eugene Adera grabbed crucial rebounds, while Odero held the paint, fending off Giants’ assaults.

Then came the defining moment. With just 13 seconds on the clock, Thunder’s Odero executed a mesmerizing spin move along the baseline, leaving two defenders grasping at air before throwing down a thunderous dunk.

The arena erupted. Odero drew blood making it a three-point advantage. The Giants had one last chance. They pressed, they shot, they battled—but Thunder’s composure and defensive discipline held firm. When the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 86–83, sealing a victory as dramatic as the entire game itself.

Earlier in Pool B, Dar City Basketball Team edged Ferroviário da Beira 78–76 in a tight encounter that showcased precision in the dying seconds.

Zambia’s Matero Magic also claimed a 78–71 win over Malawi’s Bravehearts, adding more excitement to the group stage.

With Thunder topping Pool A and Johannesburg Giants finishing second, the semifinals are now set.

Thunder will face Ferroviário da Beira, while Giants clash with Dar City—promising high-octane action and edge-of-your-seat basketball for fans across the continent.

1.      Albert Odero: 21 pts, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

2.      Tylor Ongwae: 18 pts, 5 rebounds, 6 assists

3.      Eugene Adera: 11 pts, 11 rebounds

4.      Lance Robert Thomas: 14 pts, 6 rebounds