KIGALI (Rwanda) - After an action filled opening four days of preliminary round dramatic matches, the business end of the FIBA U16 Women's African Championship commences today at the Amahoro Indoor Stadium in the Rwandan capital.

Debutants Tanzania take on Egypt in the first Quarter-Final with the East Africans confident that they can challenge one of the title favourites fair and square. 

"IT WILL BE A VERY TOUGH GAME FOR US BUT WE ARE GOING TO GIVE IT OUR VERY BEST. WE ARE READY FOR THE CHALLENGE."- Mbugeni

 If their past performances are anything to go by then this matchup could easily be the most contested tie at this tournament so far. Both teams play with high intensity on both ends of the court and for Tanzania this is more than a game.

It is them seeking a place on the high table that has for long had the same nations dominating youth basketball in Africa. They are a favourite among the Rwandan fans for their dance strokes during the warmup sessions because to them basketball should be enjoyed. Why not?

Mbugeni told FIBA.basketball that, "It will be a tough game for us but we are going to give it our very best. We are ready for the challenge."

Meanwhile,  hosts Rwanda take on unbeaten Mali in their biggest test at this tournament with the hope of overturning their previous results that have until now been winless.

Rwanda head coach Charles Mushumba is, however, pleased with the improvement in several areas especially on defence but is quick to note that a lot has to be done on making it count when his players get to the hoop. The decision making there sometimes is quite unflattering. 

His counterpart Oumarou Sidiya on the other hand has dismissed any talk of Mali being title favourites and emphasised that, "For us, we make sure that the girls enjoy playing and the objective is to do our very best and maximise our potential."

Rwanda have their work cut out and will have to do a lot to stop the Malian duo of Mariam Coulibaly who is averaging 23 points per game so far and Sira Thienou who is close by with 19 points on average. Their efficiency behind the arc and on the boards is admirable. 

In the last tie of the day, Uganda will be up against Mozambique in a highly anticipated game that is expected to bring out the best in both sides. 

The East Africans will be hoping that centre Maria Najjuma can come to the party while getting help from Mary Amaniyo but collectively as a team they will have to stop the force that is Jessie Joaquim.

Vanessa Chivale has also been important in Mozambique's quest for a podium place and indeed she will be at it once again trying to be on top of her game. 

Angola have a bye into the Semi-Finals of the competition that will see the top two sides qualify for the prestigious FIBA U17 Women's World Cup 2020. 

FIBA