Kenya Fall Agonisingly Short in 19-18 Thriller Against Algeria at FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup

Kenya's men's 3x3 team opened their FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup campaign in Wuhan, China, with a heartbreaking 19-18 defeat to Algeria in Pool C on Monday, September 15 a game that came down to the final possession.

Kenya were drawn in a tough Pool C alongside Algeria, France, Poland, and Australia for the tournament, and the opener against Algeria set the tone for how tight the group promises to be. Kenya led in stretches but couldn't hold on, with Algeria's Nael Guy Mohand Yahiatene proving the difference-maker; his 10 points and 6 rebounds anchored the win, built largely on a strong 4-of-6 night from two-point range.

For Kenya, the offensive load was shared evenly across the roster. Powell Hargos Owino led the way with 7 points on an efficient 3-of-3 from the field and added 6 rebounds. Brian Eleman was a workhorse on the glass with 7 rebounds to go with 4 points, while Jackson Waweru and David Baraka Etyang each chipped in to keep Kenya competitive throughout. Kenya actually out-rebounded Algeria 22-18, but 6 turnovers and a tougher night shooting from beyond the arc (4-of-17) proved costly in a game decided by a single point.

Kenya's men's squad is coached by Tonny Ochieng and combines players who have previously featured for the national team with emerging talent, with the roster including Powell Hargos and Joseph Blessing of UON Terror, KU Pirates' Brian Musembi, Jackson Waweru of USIU-A Tigers, KPA Dockers' Brian Eleman, and Strathmore Blades' David Baraka. Waweru returns with prior World Cup experience, having represented Kenya at the 2024 edition of the tournament, while Eleman brings international pedigree of his own after featuring for Kenya's U21 side at the 2025 FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League, where he ranked among Kenya's top scorers in a match against this same Algerian side.

The squad's route to Wuhan came through a strong campaign in the FIBA Africa 3x3 U23 Nations League, with the men's team crowned Africa East Conference champions at the Youth Nations League in Mombasa in July 2026, a title that booked their ticket to this World Cup directly.

The narrow loss leaves Kenya needing a response as pool play continues against France, Poland, and Australia over the coming days. Every possession will matter in a group this close, as Monday's one-point margin already proved.

Kenya's next Pool C fixtures continue through September 19 in Wuhan.