LUANDA (FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women 2017) - Mozambican side Ferroviario de Maputo overcame the reigning African champions InterClube 71-62 to secure a place in the Final of the ongoing FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women 2017 on Saturday at the Arena Kilamba.

InterClube led the first quarter 14-12 in what was a close match up and with patience in the paint and the back court, they went into the half time break with a three-point lead 32-29. 

A good run in the third quarter saw them lead 49-44 but a strong comeback from Inaki Garcia's side based on a zonal-man defense saw them tie the game at 56-up, 58-up until a Rosemira Daniel three-pointer gave InterClube a 61-58 lead.

The Maputo based side kept their heads up with under two minutes to play and when Odelia Mafanela stole the ball from point guard Italee Lucas to layup on the other end, InterClube did not recover.

They made three straight turnovers and conceded defeat much to the celebration of Ferroviario de Maputo who are eyeing their maiden African title. 

Mafanela scored a game high 19 points and picked 11 rebounds while Argentinian center Veronica Gisela Vega added 14 points to inspire Ferroviario de Maputo to their second straight Final. 

Vega told FIBA.basketball that, "We are so happy that we won today. We knew it was going to be a difficult game but our defense was very good and that is how we managed to win."

Meanwhile, Angolan giants Primeiro de Agosto defeated First Bank of Nigeria 64-44 to secure a place in their record 10th Final since 2001.

Alicia DeVaughn sunk a game high 17 points, picked six rebounds, made four steals and four assists to lead Jaime Covilha's side to victory. 

On a day when Primeiro de Agosto point guard Rosa Gala stood out on defense, she limited First Bank point guard Dominique Wilson to just 10 points while regular scorers like Nkechi Akashili and Cecilia Okoye settled for 10 apiece.

FIBA