FIBA Basketball

Nigeria, Mozambique, Mali and Angola punch tickets for Africa U16 Women's Semis

ANTANANARIVO (2015 FIBA Africa U16 Women’s Championship) - Nigeria, Mozambique, Mali and Angola will battle it out in Saturday's Semi-Finals at the FIBA Africa U16 Women's Championship after coming out on

Debutants Nigeria will square off against the Mozambicans in the first Semi-Final, before reigning champions Mali take on the Angolans.

In Friday's first Quarter-Final, the key match-up was between Nigeria's Rita James and Tunisia's captain Marwa Shili, with the former helping the western Africans take a 55-44 win.

James came off the bench and was pivotal as she had a game-high 21 points to lead Nigeria.

Mozambique had a tough time holding off Egypt, the runners-up of this youth tournament three times in a row.

The Mozambicans, who finished third in 2013, edged out the Egyptians 48-46 in a close and evenly-matched game.

Egypt used a 19-8 fourth quarter but it was too little too late as they came up short, while Mozambique breathed a sigh of relief after almost seeing what at one point was a 13-point lead almost evaporate.

Angola put an end to the dream of hosts Madagascar by beating them 79-57.

Isabel Manuel Fernando had a game-high 18 points off the bench to lead Angola, while three of her teammates also scored in double figures.

Mali hammered Morocco 73-24 to extend their hopes of successfully defending their title. Rokia Doumbia led all scorers with 17 points in the winning cause.

Saturday's Classification Games 5-8 will see Tunisia take on Egypt and Morocco face hosts Madagascar.

Go to http://u16madagascar2015.fibaafrica.com/index.php/en for complete coverage of the 2015 FIBA Africa U16 Women’s Championship.

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