Reigning Kenya Basketball Federation Men’s Premier League champions Nairobi City Thunder moved within one win of retaining their title after beating former champions Kenya Ports Authority 73-63 in Game Two of the 2026 playoff finals at Makande Gymnasium in Mombasa on Sunday.
Thunder, who won Game One 76-67 at the same venue on Saturday, now lead the best-of-five series 2-0 and will return to Nairobi with the chance to close out the championship on home court. The visitors led 22-14 after the opening quarter and 39-35 at halftime before KPA edged ahead 52-51 at the end of the third. KPA twice levelled the contest at 56-56 and 60-60 in a tightly fought final period.
With four minutes remaining, Thunder brought back Derrick Ogechi, who had earlier left the game after picking up an eye injury. His return proved decisive. At 67-63, Ogechi delivered back-to-back three-pointers to stretch the lead to double figures as Thunder closed out a 73-63 victory, earning MVP honours.
Head coach Brad Ibs praised his players’ composure. KPA coach Robert Mugabe acknowledged his side’s shortcomings but insisted the series is far from over. “We have three games to go,” Mugabe said.
Thunder can seal the title in Game Three when they host KPA at Nyayo Gymnasium in Nairobi on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 8pm.
