YAOUNDE (AfroBasket Women 2015) - Reigning champions Angola on Thursday held on for a 57-44 win over Gabon to set up a Semi-Final against Senegal.

With the win, the Angolans increased their Olympic aspirations as the teams that finish second and third secure a place at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT), as the winner of AfroBasket Women 2015 secures automatic qualification for the 2016 Rio Games.   

Turning Point: Fineza Eusebio came on for Isabel Francisco midway though the second quarter, and the Angola's offense reemerged from a lethargic start. Then, in the third quarter Jaime Covilha's team instilled an aggressive defense and Gabon remained scoreles for more than six minutes.

Stats Don't Lie: Angola's bench made an impact outscoring Gabon's 29-8. But, limiting Gerladine Robert, the tournament leading scorer, to four points in the first-half proved valuable for the Angolans.  

Game Hero: Eusebio added quickness and aggressiveness to the reigning champions on her way to seven points. As Angola led 12-11, Nadir Manuel got her third foul in the first quarter forcing coach Jaime Covilha to sit her out until the final quarter. On her return to the court, Manuel added nine to her team-high 12 points. 

Bottom Line: Gabon closed the opening quarter leading 15-12, but Angola kept their best for last leading by as many as 20 points. With the win, Angolan reach the last four for the fifth time in a row.

FIBA