PHOENIX (FIBA U16 African Championship 2017) – Reigning champions Egypt and 2015 finalist Mali on Saturday concluded the FIBA U16 African Championship First Round undefeated in three games each.

Nevertheless, Algeria and Tunisia emerge as potential challengers, even though they have conceded a loss to the continent’s powerhouses.

With three wins in as many games, Egypt continue making a statement of their FIBA U16 African Championship intentions.

After beating Madagascar and Rwanda by 100 points or more early in the tournament, the Pharaohs closed their Group Phase with a 84-61 win over Algeria in a game that was all but easy for Fany Hany’s side.

On Friday, Algeria and Madagascar gave local fans something to cheer about.

The two teams battled all the way through the four quarters, with the North Africans prevailing winning 60-59.

Meanwhile, Madagascar showed that they could compete.

And, enjoying a tremendous support  from the Malagasy community in Mauritius, the islanders forced overcame Rwanda 95-87 to improve their record to 1-2.

In Group A Mali have remained highly dominating, winning all their three games.

In Day 1, Mali edged Tunisia 61-40 before beating Mozambique and hosts Mauritius (165-23) to stay perfect.

And Mali's Siriman Kanoute continues to make the most of his scoring ability. 

Kanoute has scored 50 points against Mauritius, tallying a total of 86 points in three games to become the tournament leading scorer. 

Tunisia closed the First Round with a 2-1 record thanks to wins over Mauritius and Mozambique.

The Final Round will get underway on Monday, July 17.

FIBA