City Oilers, are preparing for a decisive semi-final clash in the East Division Elite 16 of the FIBA Africa Champions Clubs Road to BAL 2025.
The Oilers, the only team in the semifinals with previous Basketball Africa League (BAL) experience, face hosts Nairobi City Thunder for a spot in the BAL 2025 season.
City Oilers coach Andrew Tendo emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, saying, “We cannot afford to have a drop in energy or focus. In tournaments like this, a team can start strong but slip with one bad game and you’re out. It’s more mental for us, and we must approach the semis as if we’re starting afresh.”
The Oilers reached this stage with a direct entry into the Elite 16. Despite a strong showing, their campaign has not been without challenges, most notably a narrow 78-75 overtime loss to Burundi’s Urunani in their final group game.
The game saw the Oilers surrender a 22-point lead, highlighting the need for consistent performance in their semi-final showdown.
Thunder, on the other hand, enter the clash with a perfect record in the group stage, making this a high-stakes encounter.
This will not be the Oilers’ first brush with BAL qualification. They have previously secured two appearances in the prestigious African club basketball competition and are eager to add a third to their accolades.
The winner of the semi-final will secure one of two remaining slots for the BAL 2025 season, joining West Division qualifiers Al Ahly Tripoli and Stade Malien.
The game will kick off on Monday at 8:30 PM.
