Nigeria face stern test against Mali in Semi-Final tie

BAMAKO (FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017) – Former African champions Nigeria will be up against their biggest challenge at the ongoing FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 when they take on the hosts Mali at the Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga.

NIGERIA vs MALI

Sam Vincent’s side is yet to lose a game at the biennial continental competition and is on course for their third crown but when they take on an in-form Malian outfit, it will be a battle not just for a place in the Final but for bragging rights.

Mali will be looking to play to their advantage with their forwards doing most of the work and if their game against Egypt is anything to go by then the Nigerian duo of Evelyn Akhator and Ndidi Madu has their work cut out. 

With the home crowd taking the center stage in games including Mali, Nigeria will need to dig deep to stay focused in order to achieve their target of reaching the Final.

The battle of the point guards will go a long in determining who wins this encounter and when Ezinne Kalu comes up against Touty Gandega, it will not only provide sparks on the back court but a ball handling conquest. 

MOZAMBIQUE vs SENEGAL

The reigning champions Senegal face a Mozambican outfit that stunned title favorites Angola in the Lusophone Quarter-Final and overnight, the former have gained the respect of everyone. 

Moustapha Gaye is aware of the threat poised by Mozambique but he will be relying on the experience and pedigree his side have earned over the years but most recently at the Rio 2016 Olympics.

At the heart of Mozambique's charge is forward Leia Tongue whose star has been shining through the tournament and a matchup against Ramata Doua and Aicha Sidibe in the center will produce some sparks. 

The winners of these two ties will qualify for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain. 

FIBA