BAMAKO (FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017) – Reigning champions Senegal set up a Final against Nigeria after defeating Mozambique 72-52 on Saturday at the ongoing FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017 at the Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga in Bamako, Mali.

Astou Traore posted a game high 22 points, four assists and three rebounds to ensure that the Lionesses have a shot at defending their title, one of their many objectives at this edition of the biennial tournament. 

"This is a very important victory for us because we have booked our ticket to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018. It means so much to Senegal." - Gaye

Point guards Ndeye Sene and Diodio Diouf added 12 and 10 points in that order on a night when the forwards concentrated on the rebounds. Aicha Sidibe and Ramata Daou picked eight and seven rebounds apiece respectively.

"This is a very important victory for us because we have booked our ticket to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018. It means so much to Senegal," said Gaye in an exclusive interview with FIBA.basketball after the game.

Mozambique forward Tamara Seda registered an impressive double double with 15 points and 14 rebounds while her teammate Leia Dongue scored 20 points but their efforts were not enough to help Nasir Sale's outfit to the Final. 

Senegal will now meet Nigeria in the Final on Sunday at the same venue in a West African derby to determine who will be crowned African champion.

Both teams courtesy of finishing in the top two have qualified for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain. 

FIBA