Mali outlast Angola, advance to Pre-Qualifiers Semi-Finals

MAPUTO (Mozambique) - In Friday's only game of the Olympics African Pre-Qualifiers, Mali outscored Angola 65-45 to join Senegal as Group B semifinalists.

In the  meantime, the loss means the end of Angola's Tokyo 2020 hopes after losing their first Group B game against Senegal Thursday.  

Although it was Mali's first game in the tournament, they advanced to Saturday's clash against Senegal to decide the winner of the group. 

Rosemira Daniel led the Angolans in scoring with nine points, while Angola's highly-talented Italee Lucas finished scoreless. 

Meanehile  Touty Gandega and Mariam Alou Coulibaly combined for 39 points in the winning cause.

Following the withdrawal of DR Congo, both Mozambique and reigning champions Nigeria are through to the Semi-Finals, where the winner of each group will face the team that finishes in the second place of the opposing group.

Friday's Olympics African Pre-Qualifier results comes on the day FIBA announced the hosts cities of next year's FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifiers.

All four African semi-finalists have competed in the WOQT before although none have really made it to the Final Round.

Saturdays' action includes two must-watch games with hosts Mozambique taking on Nigeria, while Senegal will go up against Mali.

FIBA