Kenya open women’s 3X3 basketball campaign with victory over Fiji

Kenya kicked off their women's 3×3 basketball campaign at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games with a narrow 12-9 victory over Fiji in their opening group match. The Kenyan team, comprising Scholasticah Amuhaya, Vivian Moraa, Chelsea Onamu and Brenda Ochieng, demonstrated determination to secure the three-pointer despite a shaky start.

Amuhaya led the scoring with six points, while Ochieng contributed four and Onamu scored one. Moraa acknowledged initial struggles but praised the team's unity and growing confidence. The victory sets the stage for a tougher matchup against China, who began their campaign with a 21-4 win over Fiji. Moraa noted that Kenya will need to enhance shooting accuracy, particularly beyond the arc, to compete with China.

Head coach Hilda Indasi expressed disappointment with the team's performance against Fiji, describing it as chaotic, but acknowledged the recovery towards the end. She warned that such errors could be costly against stronger opponents like China, emphasizing the need for improved execution. The women's 3×3 basketball tournament continues, with the group-stage matches determining qualification for the knockout rounds on November 8.

For the Kenyan squad, the Fiji win provides a morale boost, but the upcoming China clash will be crucial in gauging their medal aspirations at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.