MAPUTO(FIBA U18 Women’s African Champinship 2018) – Mozambique and Mali reached the FIBA U18 Women’s African Championship 2018 final as they held off Angola and Rwanda 53-49 and 124-27 respectively on Saturday night at the Pavilhao do Maxaquene in Maputo, Mozambique.

As results, both teams - who are still unbeaten in the tournament - punched their tickets for next year's FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup.

Mozambique did it with much style, even though they had a tough start. They were down 15-12 at the end of the first quarter, but built up confidence for the remaining three runs.

Player of the day was Raida Luisa, who helped her side by recording 14 of the 53 points they needed to overcome a tenacious Angola.

"I am very happy ! We have held off Angola, who gave us a good run for our money," she told FIBA.baskeball.

But Mozambique suffered a severe loss as point guard Filipa Calisto, got injured in the second half and had to watch the game from the bench.

The hosts are still unsure whether she will be fit for the final against Mali on Sunday.

"We were so disappointed when she had to go out. We played for her as well. I am very happy to have my people here to support us. Now, we shall need their help to overcome Mali in the title game," Luisa added.

Reigning champions Mali easily got the best of Rwanda in the Semi-Finals’ opener earlier during the day. They never were really in danger. They showed their dominance in all aspect, and netted 41 points in the second quarter while Rwanda only managed 2.

Rwanda even got a harder blow as they lost Bella Murekatete to the bench, as she recorded four fouls well before the third quarter.

Like she did on day 1, Mali's Assetou Sissoko became the day’s hero with 25 points to her credit. 

The last day of competition will start with classification games (7-8 place) between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo, then Cape Verde will battle Egypt in the 5-6 Place game.

Angola will take on Rwanda in the Third-Place game.

FIBA