Algeria survive Chad scare, Egypt upset Mali

CAIRO (Egypt) - Algeria had a hard time overcoming Chad at the Cairo Stadium Indoor Hall on Wednesday but managed to seal a 33-30 win to record a second victory from four games.

The scoreboard read Algeria 28-21 Chad at the beginning of the fourth quarter and Chad was cruising comfortably until Hadjer Yahou brought Algeria cack at 28-28 with 04:57 on the clock.

Chad went ahead again courtesy of one of two free throw made by Raissa Yanyara followed by Yessaigne Dallyam making one out of two free-throw to bring scores to 28-30 with 02:57 minutes.

With time on the clock left 01:10, Algeria's Khadidja Kaouah tied the game at 30-30 leaving both benches tensed and believing that the first overtime was at hand but Kaouah was hot and scored a 2 point layup to being score to 32-30.

Total relief came for Algeria when Hadjer was fouled with three seconds left. She went to the line and scored the first of her free throw and missed the other but it was enough for Algeria to win 33-30.

Khadidja Kaouah led the floor with 10 points, eight rebounds while Denis Naldjin Moise finished 10 points 11 rebounds, two assists.

Egypt humbled defending champions Mali in a gritty encounter inside the Cairo Arena for a final score of 66-56. The victory meant that the host nation Egypt are atop the six-team table with 4-0 and 8 points.

Small guard for Egypt Judy Elshebshery scored 16 points, five rebounds, one assist to lead the floor with 16 points, five rebounds, one assist while Rokiatou Berthe scored 13 points, five rebounds, one assist.

Head Coach of Egypt Emadeldin Mahmoud Aly Aly said that the victory is one that gladdens his heart. "This victory is for all Egypt people, the federation and especially the players. I thank all the players for their efforts. We look forward to the semifinals because it is important for a ticket to the World Cup but we respect the team that would come our way."

Mali's Coach Oumarou Sidiya said the loss is regretted but he believes that his women will come back stronger in the semifinals and still play in the final. "Egypt was stronger than us today but we will come out better in the semifinals."

The last game of the day saw Mariam Namukwaya as the star of the night with 14 points, 17 rebounds, one assist for Mali as they triumphed over Egypt 71-62

Gameday5 fixtures are Mali against Chad, Egypt up against Gabon and Uganda against Algeria.

FIBA