CAIRO (Egypt) - Despite a 90-61 loss to Mali in Friday's last day of the Group Phase of the FIBA U16 African Championship,  Chad sneaked through to the Semi-Finals to join Mali, Egypt and Algeria.

In Saturday's Semi-Final, Mali take on Chad, while hosts Egypt will go up against Algeria. The  Championship Game will take place on Sunday, July 15th.

It was a remarkable achievement for debutant Chad who finished fourth in the Group Phase thanks to their 3-3 record.

The Group Phase concluded with Mali undefeated in six games, Egypt finished at 5-1, Third-Placed Algeria recorded 4-2 and Chad (3-3) finished ahead of Cote d'Ivoire (2-4), Uganda (1-5) and Gabon (0-6).

In Friday's only game, Chad's Mbafe Kanigue Abdel-Kerim led the floor with 24 points, four rebounds, four assists bit he will have to rise to the occasion if they can take their fairy tale to the next level.

Mali, who were winners in 2017, recorded six wins from six games but would have to replicate their performance against Chad to reach the Final.

Mali's Ibrahim Oumar Doumbia who scored 22 points, six rebounds, 10 assists will need to be in their best forms to remain in contention.

The second Semi-Final will see Egypt against Algeria.

The first time both sides met on Gameday3, Egypt triumphed over Algeria 72-53. However, the Semi-Finals will no doubt be tough for both sides as Egypt seek a seventh final appearance.

FIBA