Ongwae, Wamukota make Kenya Morans squad for FIBA Afrobasket Qualifiers

Kenya Morans head coach Cliff Owuor has named his final 12-man squad expected to compete in the final round of the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket Qualifiers in Tripoli, Libya from 21-23 February.

Among the key pointers from the squad, which has three changes from the one that featured in the first round of qualifiers in Tunisia last year, is the return of power forward Tylor Ongwae, who is expected to feature in his first FIBA game for Kenya since January 2022.

Ongwae, now plying trade with KBF defending champions Nairobi City Thunder, had announced his retirement from the national team immediately following the 2021 Afrobasket tournament, before reversing his decision earlier this year when he made the preliminary squad.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport then, Ongwae said: “I decided on my return after joining Thunder where we have about eight national team players. We have had a solid build-up and that gave me the conviction that we can replicate the same at the national level as we look to make back-to-back appearances."

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Another key player making his return to the team is center Bush Wamukota, who missed last year's qualifying window.

The 31-year-old last featured for Morans two years ago, when Kenya played in the FIBA AfroCan tournament.

In his four games, Wamukota averaged six points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

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The other new inclusion to this year's team is KPA's Salim Kisilu, who will be making his major tournament debut.

Players who have dropped out of last year's squad include: Faheem Juma, Ariel Ortega, and Ariel Okal, who is away on compassionate grounds.

The team is expected to jet out this week in readiness for their first game against Tunisia on Friday (1600 EAT), before facing Angola and Guinea on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Morans are currently third in Group E with four points from three matches.

KENYA MORANS SQUAD: Derrick Ogechi, Salim Kisilu, Joel Awich, Blacio Owili, Fidel Okoth, Bramwel Mwombe, Eugene Adera, Tylor Ongwae, Victor Bosire, Bush Wamukota, Albert Odero, Griffin Ligare