CAIRO (FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup 2017) - Canada had failed to capitalize on three chances to reach the Semi-Finals over the last four FIBA U19 Basketball World Cups. The North Americans finally overcame their dreaded hurdle and reached the last four in Cairo after beating France.

RJ Barrett had 27 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Abu Kigab collected 17 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists as Canada knocked off the French 73-67 to exorcize their demons of the Quarter-Finals - where Canada lost in 2009, 2013 and 2015.

"It feels amazing. We made history," said Kigab, who was on the 2015 team that lost to Croatia in the final eight. "We're the first team in Canadian history to ever make it to the (U19) Semi-Finals. It's just an unbelievable feeling and I am just very happy for my guys and my country."

We're the first team in Canadian history to ever make it to the (U19) Semi-Finals.

When asked what he remembers about two years ago at Crete 2015, Kigab said: "I remember every single play. It was a tough loss. We were almost there. But I'm gonna give it to them. They were a hell of a team. Our guys fought hard."

This victory means a lot for Canadian basketball, Kigab said.

"It's a big thing. It really shows how far Canadian basketball has come," he said. "A lot of people don't think Canada is known for basketball. Most people think it's known for hockey. Us making a name for ourselves is a really big deal."

Roy Rana experienced all of those Quarter-Finals defeats and was relieved coming off the court after the win in Cairo.

"It feels great. It's always a nice thing for our country and the development of our country. We're always in the mix for these. Whereas the final eight has become consistent, hopefully we can make the final four consistently now," Rana said.

A lot of people don't think Canada is known for basketball. Most people think it's known for hockey.

The coach was especially impressed with Barrett, the youngest player on his team at less than a month removed from his 17th birthday.

"I said to RJ, these are the moments. These are the moments where players arrive. And he arrived today. He absolutely delivered on the biggest stage of his career," Rana said.

Canada will take on the United States in the Semi-Finals.

FIBA