CAIRO (Egypt) - Reigning champions Mali are in unfamiliar territory having lost three consecutive games at the ongoing FIBA U18 African Championship and will now take on hosts Egypt in the Semi-Finals on Tuesday at the Cairo Stadium.

Alhadji Dicko's side will be fighting for national pride against a well-oiled Egyptian side that on the contrary have won all their three games in the Group Phase. 

Before the start of the tournament, Dicko spoke about the importance of Mali returning to the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup after they put up a stunning performance in Greece to reach the final last year. 

Reminded of this target, Dicko admitted that his side will need to dig deep to make it to the final and that his side is ready for the challenge. 

Mohab Abdalatif will be key to Egypt's charge

Meanwhile, Guinea will be out for revenge when they take on Senegal in a West African derby that is expected to once again produce sparks. 

Senegal won the Group Phase game 55-53 and they are quick to admit that this result is no longer relevant. If anything, it brings pressure onto them but knowing that they have been down this road before in games defined by small margins, they love themselves a challenge and are ready to go again. 

An interesting battle in the paint between Ibou Badji and Mamborou Mara will be one to watch out for while Senegal's point guard Pape Ablaye Sow and Ibrahima Diallo are expected to provide a platform for another interesting matchup. 

The winners of the Semi-Finals will qualify for the Final on Wednesday. All the games are live on the FIBA YouTube Channel. 

FIBA