KIGALI (Rwanda) – The stage is set for the semi-finals of the 2025 FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket tournament.
Following an enthralling quarter-final round that had fans on the edge of their seats, just four teams remain in the running for the trophy.
It has taken blood, sweat and determination to get this far, but only two will earn a shot at the title.
Having already secured their place in the next edition, the semi-finalists are now chasing the most precious reward of all: a ticket to the final and to the 2026 FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup.
FIBA.basketball takes a closer look at the two games that will captivate the continent's attention.
MALI vs. CÔTE D’IVOIRE 11:00 (Local Time), GMT+2
In the first Semi-Finals, two West African rivals will face off in what promises to be a physical battle.
Will Mali maintain their dominance, or will Côte d’Ivoire cause an upset?
The defending champions, Mali, have won every edition of the competition since its inception in 2009 and have looked unstoppable so far.
They followed a perfect 3-0 group stage run with a convincing win over Angola in the quarter-finals.
With an average of 62.5 points per game, Mali’s efficiency has kept them a step ahead of the competition.
Côte d’Ivoire, who are making only their second appearance after finishing sixth in 2013, have already surpassed expectations.
Their balanced style of play is evident in their passing numbers: 16.3 assists per game compared to Mali’s 15.3. This proves that their success is down to collective effort.
Nevertheless, Mali boasts the kind of individual talent that can decide any game. Captain Mariya Diawara is the top scorer with 12.3 points per game, supported by Coumba Guindo with 10 points per game.
Assan Dakouo dominates the boards with an average of 11.8 rebounds per game, while Aichata Keita has been relentless in defence, averaging 5.5 steals per game. Napily Issa Traoré has also delivered consistent performances throughout the campaign.
The challenge for Côte d’Ivoire is clear: to overcome the juggernaut of African youth basketball. Regardless of the outcome, the Elephants have already written a new chapter in their history — but they will now try to go one step further.
EGYPT vs. CAMEROON, 13:30 (Local Time), GMT+2
Only nine days after their Group C clash, Egypt and Cameroon will meet for the second time in Kigali.
Last time, Egypt comfortably won 73-38, but this time the Cameroonians are determined to turn the tables.
The Pharaohs, who have reached the final in each of the past five tournaments, are clear favourites.
With Leila Eissa scoring an average of 10.5 points per game, Zeina Amin averaging 6.3 rebounds as centre, and Fatma Abdella averaging 4.8 assists as point guard, Egypt have demonstrated consistency and purpose.
Egypt's offensive firepower is unmatched, with an average of 84.5 points per game, and their record speaks for itself: They won all three group stage games, beating Cameroon (73–38), Kenya (32–29) and Morocco (90–20).
However, Cameroon have proven themselves to be resilient opponents. They finished second in Group C with a 2-1 record, outpacing Tunisia, Morocco and Kenya to secure their spot in the final four.
Shanice Mbaha has been their standout star, leading in nearly every statistical category with 16.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. Marie Messina has also made a significant contribution, averaging 11.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.3 steals per game.
Yet the West Africans face a tough challenge. Their poor performance at the free-throw line (below 50 per cent) and from long range (19.7 per cent from three) could prove costly against an Egyptian team that rarely wastes opportunities.
FIBA