Mali chasing new African record in title game against hosts Mozambique

MAPUTO (FIBA U18 Women's African Championship 2018 ) - Mali and Mozambique meet in Sunday's final of the FIBA U18 Women's African Championship 2018 in Maputo, in what could be a historic encounter.

Both teams reached the final undefeated in five games each, and as a result, Mali and Mozambique earned the right to represent Africa at next year's FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup.

Mozambique defeated Angola 53-49 in the Semi-Finals

As the most dominant team on the African continent in recent years, Mali are looking to establish a new record of seven FIBA U18 Women's African Championship titles, while Mozambique hope to prove doubters wrong, and will try to make history by claiming their first-ever title in the history of the competition.

This is a rematch of the 1996 edition of the U18 Championship when Mali took Maputo by a storm, beating hosts Mozambique 80-69 in the final to win their first African title.

Can Mali make it seven on Sunday? So far, they have proved to be the most solid team in the competition, and are experienced enough to lift the trophy. 

However, Mali - who have won five of their six continental titles, beating hosts countries - will need to deal with one of the most passionate crowds in African basketball. 

 Assetou Sissoko and Gnere Dembele have been phenomenal for Mali averaging a combining 18.5 per game each, while Mozambique's duo of Filipa Calisto and Suraya Rijal could be the answers for Mali's offensive prowess.

Early in the day, Angola and Rwanda will face off in the Third-Place game.

Follow the FIBA U18 Women's African Championship 2018 final on the link below:

 FIBA