MVP Haidara highlights All-Star team at the 2022 FIBA U18 Women's African Championship

 

ANTSIRABE (Madagascar) -  The 2022 FIBA U18 Women's African Championship came to an exciting end on Saturday evening, with Mali claiming an eighth title after beating Egypt 86-54 at the Gymnase Couvert D'Antsirabe. 

The tournament reaffirmed that Mali and Egypt still lead the way in the junior ranks and as of 2014, the two countries have contested four finals with the West African now slightly opening the gap three to one.

Apart from the head-to-head competition the tournament gave exposure players from major and emerging countries.

Here is a look at the top five All Star players that lit up the tournament roles for their teams:

JANA ELALFY (Egypt)

The Al Ahly player has led the tournament statistically. For example, she has led the tournament in the category of  double-doubles with figures of 24 point per game and 11.5 rebounds per game.

In the final against Mali she was at her best with 19 points and 12 points, but Elalfy and the Egyptians encountered a determined opposition.

Standing at 1.93m (6ft 4in) the forward dominated inside and showed that she can score from the three line as well. She will also be remembered for consistent displays throughout the tournament.

MAIMOUNA HAIDARA (Mali)

Spain-based Haidara, dominated in the final and also in the tournament. So it was not surprising that she was the tournament MVP.

It was a close contest between her and Elalfy for the award and maybe her starring role (22 points and 12 rebounds) in final got Haidara the nod in the end.

During the competition, from the Group Phase right till the end, the CBD Clarinos Tenerife player has also been a walking double-double in almost every game she played in for Mali.  The forward also had more game-highs in the tournament then any player.

ISABEL JOAO (Angola)

A player, who plays with reckless abandon at the attacking and defensive end for Angola.

Joao will put her body on the line to stop a defender from scoring. Always a fierce competitor on the court, she stood out for her country with constant energy.

The Clube Desportivo Primero de Agosto player may not have lit up the score board like Haidara and Elalfy, but she did do the dirty work rebounding three times she got into double figures.

MARION RASOLOFOSON (Madagascar)

The Malagasy shooting guard played a leading role as a primary ball handler during her teams miracle run to the Semi-Final.

She finished the tournament with figures of 11 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

Rasolofoson had her best moments in the tournament against Tanzania, when she score a three point buzzer beater, that sent the host nation to the last four and played her heart out in a 19 point performance against Egypt.

DOUA YAHIAOUI (Algeria)

The Algerian is a skilful ball handler and her low centre of gravity made her difficult to guard in the tournament.

In her last five games she scored in double figures for the North Africans and she has also been a decent rebounder as well. Yahiaoui was a bright star in what was a difficult campaign for Algeria.

FIBA