JS Kairouan upset ES Rades again to book FINAL FOUR slot

RADES (Tunisia) - JS Kairouan edged Etoile Sportive Rades 74-73 in a thrilling encounter at the Salle Tawfik Bouhima de Rades to book the last available slot to the FINAL FOUR. 

Tunisian international Ahmed Dhif and Senegalese centre Maodo Nguirane carried the day with 17 and 16 points respectively to stun the home side on a night that the "green army" will live to remember. 

ES Rades tipped off in high gear to lead the first quarter 16-9. The visitors woke up in the second but ES Rades took 35-27 at the break.

The home fans were caught in between song and cheering their side on enjoying every minute of the action-packed match.

Led by Nguirane, JS Kairouan reduced the 12-point deficit and tied the game 65-up in the last quarter to open the game up and create tension in the stands.

JS Kairouan were visibly hungrier for the win and what it would mean for their title ambitions at the first of asking and indeed they got what they deserved ensuring two wins over their rivals - each by a point having won the first time 68-67.

They now join the reigning champions AS Sale(Morocco), eight-time record African winners Primeiro de Agosto(Angola) and Smouha SC (Egypt) in the FINAL FOUR. 

FIBA