SEN/ANG - Gaye tips hat to Angola

BAMAKO (Afrobasket) - It's now one day on from Angola's upset of defending champions Senegal in the Afrobasket Final and there is no bitterness for losing coach Moustapha Gaye.

Rather, there is a stark admission that the Angolans, who also surprised tournament hosts Mali in Bamako in the Semi-Finals, were simply the better side and deserved to qualify for the London Games

"The great winner is Angola," Gaye said.

"They have beaten everyone and we have to recognize the merit of Angola.

"When they have lost, it's because they made many mistakes."

Angola's only defeat in the competition was to Senegal in their first game.

The Senegalese had cut down every opponent in their path, but were second best on Sunday.

"We've worked for two years," Gaye said.

"We did good things. But we lost the game that you should never lose.

"I congratulate Angola, who have been the best team at the African Championship.

"We could not find the antidote to beat them.

"Angola has worked hard and played in many tournaments and that result is the reward of their hard work."

All is not lost for Senegal, who will play at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women next year where three berths for London will be up for grabs.

FIBA