PRETORIA (South Africa) - The Semi-Final battle of the U18 AfroBasket 2024 will see fresh contenders come onto the scene and familiar nations try to reclaim their glory.
And FIBA.Basketball offers insights into the upcoming matches at the University of Pretoria.
Cameroon vs Morocco
This is the first time Cameroon and Morocco face each other in the U18 AfroBasket.
Cameroon’s run in their debut competition has been nothing short of amazing. They found a new bounce in their step after leaving the group stage with a 1-2 record, Kevin Ngwesse’s men turned the ship around in the Quarter-Finals.
After three competitive quarters against Rwanda (3-0 in group stages), Cameroon bullied the East Africans in the fourth. And if their 16-4 score in the fourth is anything to go by, Cameroon will resort to their physicality to wear down their opponents. With 7-footer Amadou Seini, who has grown in confidence with each game, Cameroon's lineup looks formidable.
Seini has notched double-doubles in his last games and will be a threat at both ends of the floor for Cameroon.
The Moroccans also ride a wave of confidence after taking apart Angola in their last eight battle. Their go-to guys are Rayane Solhi and Omer Karem if they get going early in games like they did against Angola.
They also rely on contributions from players like Noah Baze, Rayane Moukrim and Mohammed Bahmad.
Morocco will have to find a way to counter the physicality of Cameroon if they have any desire to make the final four.
While Morocco has participated in the tournament, they are also making the Semi-Finals for the first time. They will be keen to add another piece of history by going another step further.
Mali vs Senegal
Over the last decade, these two teams have faced each other a number of times. Nothing new here.
Mali and Senegal will renew ties after encountering each other in the group stages. Mali will have the psychological edge after their victory over their West African neighbours.
In tournament history Mali also have a better head-to-head record (5-1), so it’s a record they will want to protect.
Their victory over Nigeria in the Last Eight on Thursday night was a battle of resilience and coach Moussa Cisse has to focus on making sure there are no tired bodies ahead of the semi-final battle against Senegal.
Youssouf Traore has been a double-double player for Mali and they will to him to continue his good form.
Beating the defending champions is no easy feat and for Senegal that win could not have come at the right time. The Senegalese will also have little time to celebrate as they have to figure out how to overcome Mali.
With players like mobile big man Ousseynou Sambe, Cheikh Biteye and Code Mbengue in the line-up, coach Denisio Adjivon should have a measure of hope against their neighbours.
FIBA