Akinyi buzzer-beater spurs Kenya to 3x3 Africa Cup triumph, keep Olympic dream alive

“I believe that in our group we have some of the best shooters assembled.”

That was part of Kenya women’s 3x3 basketball head coach Everlyne Kedogo assurances as she unveiled her quartet of players heading to the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup in Cairo, Egypt.

No other moment defined those words than the closing moments of the team’s cup final against Africa’s top ranked side Egypt, when everything finally lit up, leading to the crazy scenes that accompanied Kenya’s 21-20 memorable title-clinching victory.

You would have been forgiven if you thought that Kenya’s race was run with Egypt leading 19-13, and with just a minute and 21 seconds remaining in the contest.

Kenya had been uncharacteristic for the better part of the game; be it missed layups, turnovers or misadvised shots.

But then came a run - one ignited by two quick Mercy Wanyama buckets - that reduced Kenya’s deficit to three.

Kenya women's side storm to 3x3 Africa Cup final, men bounced in quarters

Then a stop, quick set, and layup by Madina Okot.

With little under 37 seconds left, Egypt made an easy drive - 20 -17 - allowing Okot to hit a crazy one legged two-point fadeaway to make it 20-19.

Then came an empty Egyptian possession that bled the clock.

Madina picked a quick rebound from a missed shot with six seconds left, passed sideways to Wanyama on the edge, then to Natalie Akinyi on the outside.

At this point, there was no time - 3.3 seconds - to think about anything.

A two-point shot went up … BAANG!

On the floor lay the ‘best shooters assembled’ having managed to beat road adversity and deficits resembling; 13-6, 17-13, and the 19-13 scoreline that brought everything from them.

With the win, Kenya is now top of the continent in regard rankings, and a step closer to next summer’s Olympic Games.

The ladies will now look ahead to May 2024, when they will participate in the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament, for a place in Paris.

There was only one goal as the team jetted out on Wednesday, and it couldn't have been accomplished in a better way.