KPA braced up for APR challenge in FIBA Africa Zone Five Club Championships semis

FIBA Africa Zone Five club championship title holders KPA will be looking to sail to the final when they take on APR of Rwanda in the semi-final on Friday afternoon at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium Indoor Arena in Dar es Salaam from 4PM EAT.

KPA advanced to the last four as well as booked a date with APR after thrashing Vijana Queens of Tanzania 74-29 in the quarterfinal.

Kenya would have had two teams in the semis but Equity Bank Hawks lost 52-40 to Rwanda Energy Group 52-40. The Bankers will be seeking to redeem themselves from the quarter final loss when they tackle Young Sisters of Burundi in a classification match set to kick off at 2:00pm.

KPA head coach Antony Ojukwu regretted the absence of three players who will miss the match after picking up injuries in the past three rounds.

Skipper Natalie Akinyi who was injured against Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the final group match and missed the quarters clash against Vijana Queens, centre player Belinda Okoth who also missed the quarters and Seline Okumu.

"The quarters was not an easy match, final result notwithstanding. We rotated the team well and I am impressed with the performance. Unfortunately, we go in to the semis without Okumu who got a knock in the head in yesterday's quarters match. She joins Akinyi and Okoth,” he told Mozzart Sport.

KPA through to Zone Five semis as Hawks fall

Despite the absence of the trio, he exuded confidence that the fit players whom he termed as equal to the task will perfectly fit in the gaps in the team.

“They want to get back on the court to fight for their team but the team doctor has advised against it which is the right decision. I have other players who have stepped in and they are equally good. All in all, we are ready for the semis and like wee said from the start, we are looking to defend the title regardless of the opposition, “he stated.