Hosts Tunisia, Angola through to U16 Women’s African Championship Semis 

 

MONASTIR (Tunisia) - Francisco Chauangue's charges, Angola, put up a spectacular show in the third quarter of their clash against Uganda to emerge victors in a 64-58 closely-contested outcome. 

With a semis berth to the 2023 U16 Women's African Championship at stake, both sides gave their all on the court from the first to last whistle with the winner escaping with a 6-point win. 

John Omondi-coached Uganda put up a fight in the first quarter but still found themselves trailing 13-09 at the conclusion of the first quarter. 

The East Africans returned with a vengeance for a second quarter dominant display of 19-11 to reclaim the lead and head to half time leading by four points, an almost negligible advantage going by the calibre of match.

Chauangue's pep talk in the locker room must have flipped a switch for his charges as they returned for the second half guns blazing to shoot down Uganda 20-07, reclaim the lead and put a healthy gap between them and the opponent. 

The 8-point advantage heading to the final period made all the difference for Angola as both teams shot from all cylinders, Uganda winning the final period 23-20, but it was not enough to turn the game in their favour.

As they prepare to fight for a final berth, Angola will have Ana Servico and Miraldina Buitchi to thank for the lucky escape in the quarters. 

The former led the scoring with a double-double of 27 points 11 rebounds and 6 steals in 37 minutes while Buitchi added a double-double of her own with 11 points and 16 rebounds, 13 on defense to aid the side bag the crucial victory that puts them in podium contention. 

Alexandra Koji scored 10 points too in the win. 

Omondi's charges, meanwhile, had Modesta Anyango giving yet another striking performance, scoring 25 points and 8 rebounds in 40 minutes.

Additionally, 26:54 minutes for Shiphrah Kiranda translated to 18 points and 9 rebounds for Uganda but it was Angella Auma and Husnah Namagembe who bossed the boards with 10 rebounds each. 

With the win, Angola are now scheduled to play Egypt in the first Semi-Final set for Friday. 

TUNISIA BEAT MOROCCO, ADVANCE TO LAST FOUR

In the other quarters clash,  hosts Tunisia got the better of their North African rivals Morocco for a 69-42 convincing win. 

Tunisia, riding on the home crowd played a massive second quarter, scoring 23 points against Thami Senouni side's 9, after the two sides tied on 17 points in the first quarter, to build themselves a cushion heading to the second half. 

The Moroccans attempted to make a comeback, playing better defense to allow in 14 points from Wissem Chrayet's charges but could not reward themselves on the basket as they scored 8. The final period ended 15-08 in favour of the winners.

Mariam Fahs accounted for 21 of Tunisia's 69 points as Islem Ayari and Ines Ben Rejeb added 15 and 14 respectively. 

The hosts will now meet seven-time champions and current title holders Mali in the other semi final set for Friday 21 July.  

FIBA