Angola overcome Egypt, Mali cruise past Mozambique to reach Final

BEIRA (FIBA U16 Women African Championship 2017) – Angola knock off Egypt to set up Final clash with reigning champions Mali who cruise past Mozambique on Friday at the ongoing FIBA U16 Women's African Championship in Beira, Mozambique. 

As result Angola and Mali have secured qualification for FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 in Minsk, Belarus.

Angola stunned rivals Egypt 59-42 for the first time since the inception of the tournament in 2009 and after four failed attempts, the southern Africans could afford a smile.

From the onset, Angola displayed determination and zeal to establish a 36-17 lead at Half-Time as the North Africans tried everything but the former were in control. 

Cristina Joao Lourenco and Cacia Antonio scored 16 and 12 points in that order and with the latter making an incredible eight steals to inspire Angola to an-all important victory that will see Angola play at the big stage for the very first time. 

"This is a very proud moment for Angola. We have achieved what we set out to do even though it was not easy. I am very proud of the players because they worked so hard to win."- Pires

A spirited fight from Egypt in the last quarter did not count for much as the Angolans maintained their lead in double digits. 

"This is a very proud moment for Angola. We have achieved what we set out to do even though it was not easy. I am very proud of the players because they worked so hard to win," Angola head coach, Elisa Pires told FIBA.basketball 

Meanwhile, the reigning champions Mali extended their unbeaten streak to five wins after seeing off Mozambique 63-39. 

Aissetou Coulibaly was for the fifth time Mali's highest scorer with 17 points while Mozambique's 14-year old Suraya Rijal picked an impressive 12 rebounds but her efforts were not enough to help her side. 

Egypt and host Mozambique will square off on Saturday, August 12 for the last spot on the podium of this year's continental event. 

FIBA