Angola cruise past Tunisia to set up Final re-match with rivals Egypt

KIGALI – (FIBA Africa U18 Championship 2016) - Angola stormed the final of the FIBA Africa U18 Championship after defeating Tunisia 92-58 on Saturday's night Semi-Final at Amahoro National Stadium.

Angola, who were seeking revenge for their 2014 Semi-Final loss to the same side, took charge of their destiny as early as the first quarter leading 25-16.

A consistent display on offense in the second and third quarters saw the three -time champions establish a double-digit lead that ultimately paid off.

Five Angolan players were in double figures with Silvio Sousa collecting 18 points and eight rebounds while Cristiano Gomes, Geraldo Santos, Bruno Fernandes and Cley Cabanga added 14, 13, 12 and 10 respectively.

Egypt fended off a challenge from Mali 77-74 to book a date with Angola in a repeat of the 2014 edition where they edged the West Africans 73-72.

Mali will blame themselves for complacency that cost them a place in the final but have a chance to make up for it when they face Tunisia in the Third Place Game for a spot at next year’s FIBA U19 World Championship in Cairo, Egypt.

Meanwhile, Rwanda had to live it late against Cote d’Ivoire 76-74 in the classification game to determine 5-8 positions.

The hosts gave away an 11-point lead at the end of the third quarter but recovered late to Emile Kazeneza’s two converted free throws that gave head coach Moise Mutokambali breathing space.

Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Algeria 77-66 to set up a date with neighbours Rwanda in the classification game to determine 5-6 positions.

Earlier in the day, Uganda secured ninth place after overcoming a late surge from Gabon to win 70-66 in their debut appearance at the continental tournament.

FIBA Africa U18 championship Today's games Results

Semi-Finals

Angola 92 v 58 Tunisia

Mali    74 v 77 Egypt

Classifications

9-10 place

Uganda 70 v 66 Gabon

5-8 Places

RD Congo 77 v 66 Algeria

Cote d'Ivoire 74 v 76 Rwanda

FIBA