All systems go for the U18 Women’s AfroBasket quarter-finals

Recap of Group Stage Results

Top Performers:

Mali: Averaged 94.7 points per game, leading the tournament in offensive output.

Key Player: Oummou Koumare – averages 20.5 points per game, a dominant inside presence.

Egypt: Averaged 90 points per game, showcasing efficient scoring and strong team play.

Key Player: Khadiga Abouelghait – averages 18.2 points per game. She is Egypt’s primary playmaker and scorer.

Cameroon: Averaged 81.7 points per game, demonstrating strong offensive and rebounding capabilities.

Key Player: Damaris Emédie – averages 12.0 rebounds per game. She stands out with her rebounding and control of the paint.

Koumare in action — **Oummou Koumare of Mali has been lethal from the three-point line. Pictures: FIBA**

Significant Upsets:

Cameroon: Exceeded expectations with their impressive performances.

Uganda and Tunisia: Both teams showed resilience and are ready to impact the knockout stages despite tough battles.

Team Form and Momentum:

Mali and Egypt also bring solid form with their high-scoring capabilities and competitive edge.

Rwanda and Tunisia must leverage their momentum and seize opportunities to disrupt their experienced opponents.

Key Factors for Quarterfinals:

Managing Fouls: It’s crucial to manage fouls effectively to prevent key players from being sidelined and to maintain defensive intensity.

Capitalizing on Turnovers: Converting turnovers into scoring opportunities will be crucial, particularly in closely matched games.

Second Chance Opportunities: Teams must seize opportunities to impact the game’s outcome.

Breaking Full-Court Presses: Implementing effective strategies to break full-court presses is essential for maintaining offensive flow and reducing turnovers.

Khadigat Abouelagait — **Khadigat Abouelghait lead Egypt to a second final in a row.**

Quarterfinal Matchups

Nigeria vs. Egypt

Overview: Egypt, with a balanced and all-around strong game, faces Nigeria, who must bring their physicality and athleticism for this clash.

Key Players:

Nigeria: Idubamo Beggi – Averaging 19.7 points per game, a defensive and offensive force.

Egypt: Khadiga Abouelghait – Averaging 18.2 points per game, key playmaker and scorer.

Head-to-Head: Nigeria’s superior defence and rebounding give them an edge.

Key Factors: Nigeria’s ability to force turnovers and control the boards will be crucial in overcoming Egypt.

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Angola vs Cameroon

Overview: Angola faces a challenge against Cameroon, who excelled in rebounding and offensive play.

Key Players:

Angola: Margarida Moniz – averages 17.0 points per game and is a consistent scorer.

Cameroon: Damaris Emédie – averaging 12.0 rebounds per game, dominant in the paint.

Head-to-Head: Cameroon’s rebounding dominance could be a decisive factor.

Key Factors: Angola must limit second-chance opportunities and maintain defensive discipline.

Mali vs. Rwanda

Overview: Mali’s scoring depth and rebounding strength pose a significant challenge for Rwanda.

Key Players:

Mali: Oummou Koumare – Averaging 20.5 points per game, dominant inside presence.

Rwanda: Brigitte Nibishaka – Averaging 15.3 points per game, crucial to Rwanda’s offence.

Head-to-Head: Mali’s strength in the paint and rebounding could be overwhelming for Rwanda.

Key Factors: Rwanda must counter Mali’s size and rebounding advantages while maintaining sharp play at both ends of the court. Managing fouls and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities is paramount.

Damaris Emedie — **Damaris Emedia has part of the surprise package, Cameroon’s success.**

Tunisia vs Uganda

Overview: Tunisia had a solid group stage performance and will face a competitive Uganda team known for their scoring ability.

Key Players:

Tunisia: Ines Ben Rejeb – averages 16.0 points per game. She is a strong defender and key scorer.

Uganda: Resty Nanangwe – averages 18.0 points per game. She is a dynamic scorer crucial to Uganda’s strategy.

Head-to-Head: Tunisia’s defensive sternness will come head-to-head against Uganda’s offensive adaptability.

Key Factors: The outcome may depend on consistency in offence and minimizing turnovers. Tunisia’s defence will be crucial against Uganda’s scoring threats.

Predictions and Expectations

Cameroon’s rebounding and press might give them an edge over Angola, though the game could be close.

Mali are favourites against Rwanda, with their dominance in the paint and scoring depth likely to be decisive.

The battle between Tunisia and Uganda is expected to be tight, with Tunisia’s defensive consistency possibly giving them a slight advantage. However, Uganda’s dynamic scoring could lead to an upset if they execute their game plan effectively.

Surprises teams

Cameroon and Uganda are potential dark horses. They can upset higher-seeded teams if they manage important aspects of the game, such as turnovers and second-chance opportunities they have the potential to go far in the competition.

The FIBA U18 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket quarter-finals promise intense, high-stakes basketball action. Semifinal spots are on the line, and teams must deliver their best performance. The games will showcase Africa’s brightest young talents as they continue their quest for continental glory.

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Zambia bring good vibes and fighting spirit to U18 AfroBasket

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(PRETORIA) Since arriving in South Africa for the U18 AfroBasket, the Zambia men’s team has been one of the vibrant teams at the tournament. From their excitement at their media day to how the Zambians sang in unison during pre-match training, they have soaked in every moment – in their tournament debut.

A day after his team’s memorable group stage victory over South Africa, coach Paul Mwale says his team is so upbeat because of the mantra they live by, boostele. The word is a fusion of English and the accentuation at the end.

“We thrive on what we call boostele. Boostele gets us in the mood (ahead of games) – it takes the fear out of us. We challenge each opponent that comes our way. So we are always upbeat because of that,” said Mwale. “We always want to be in a happy space and mood to be game-ready. Soccer and netball do the same. So this is our philosophy as a sports nation.

Paul Mwaleon the sidelines — **Paul Mwale and Zambia will adopt a business-like attitude against Rwanda. Pictures: FIBA and The BTO**

Mwale’s team has recorded a 1-1 record in the tournament, an opening Group C loss to Morocco (84-67) and a win (70-61) over the host nation, South Africa, which set off jubilant celebrations from the players and staff. On Monday, Zambia’s final game against Rwanda will hold the key to their destiny in the competition. The Zambian coach shared his thoughts on the first two games before delving into the final group battle against their East African opponents.

Against Morocco, Zambia chased the game but would eventually capitulate early in the fourth quarter. In a similar quarter against South Africa, this time in the final three minutes, Zambia held their nerve to get their first win of the tournament.

“The boys responded well, especially after the game against Morocco. We came out to play against South Africa. Now we have given ourselves a fighting chance going to the next game (against Rwanda),” said Mwale. “We used up a lot of energy on the defensive side against Morocco. Most of my key players burnt out, and the bench did not come to the fore. So, the bench needed to step up a little more. We did a little bit of that against South Africa.”

Mwale knows they have to maintain their discipline, especially in close games. So, a heart-to-heart discussion with his team ahead of the game against South Africa took place and it did the trick.

“We had long chats with players after the Morocco game… I think they understood the importance of maintaining the lead. For them to do that in the game against South Africa shows we are getting somewhere,” said Mwale. “It’s the first time these kids get to play at this level. So, with each game, there is a better understanding of what it means to play in a competition of this magnitude.”

Mwale also shared some insights he gathered for the crunch match against Rwanda. “They love to play a little fullcourt press. It’s been common (the fullcourt press) in this tournament and it’s something we have prepared for. What we need to do is execute our game plan and we will be ok,” said Mwale.

Also, some exciting prospects stepped up for Zambia in this tournament. Frank Siame, who ranks second in scoring (20.5 points per game), ninth in rebounding (9 rebounds per game) and sixth in rebounding (3.5 rebounds per game) has put his name on a pedestal.

Frank Siame in action — **Frank Siame has been one of Zambia’s star players in U18 AfroBasket.**

There are also the likes of Kelvin Mulenga (14 points and four assists per game) and Kelvin Mulenga (10.5 points per game), who set the scene alight for their country at this tournament.

“I am really impressed with these kids… It shows they have a bright future ahead of them. They have taken the challenge and told themselves, ‘We are gonna lead this team’. And they are doing that well,” said Mwale. “Game after game they have proved that they can play hard and push Zambia to greater heights.”

Zambia’s team unity and fighting spirit have made them worthy of a place in this tournament. A win over Rwanda keeps their hopes alive and for the fans, it will be a chance to enjoy Zambia’s competitiveness and good vibes.

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Hendricks confident SA can step up their on home court

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(PRETORIA) SOUTH African U18 team captain Taite Hendricks spoke with conviction in saying the men’s team should not be taken lightly ahead of their opening game at the FIBA U18 AfroBasket tournament.

On Tuesday (today), Hendricks will lead his team against the East African nation Rwanda at the University of Pretoria’s Rembrandt Hall, where the games are taking place.

Hendricks expressed his excitement at having the opportunity to captain the host nation on this momentous occasion for youth basketball.

“It was excitement and a little bit of nerves. It is a high-level tournament and there are going to be many eyes watching, so there will always be nerves. I am excited to get to play basketball at this level,” said Hendricks. “I am trying to lead by example… Trying to keep everyone’s spirits up. We must stay ready the whole time because you never know what can happen.”

Taite Hendricks and his teammates — **Taite Hendricks, second row, feels his team will bring the right energy against Rwanda. Pictures: The BTO**

Aware that his team may have a limitation or two, the St Charles pupil and his teammates are up for the job ahead.

“We are feeling excited. It’s good to see the variety that we have in our team. We are obviously an undersized team, but that is not going to deter us at all. We are going to put our best effort on the court and show that South Africa is not a team to play with,” said Hendricks

Like their female counterparts, the South African men’s team got together only a few days before the youth competition, meaning they must hastily adjust to the demands of the AfroBasket.

When asked if the lack of preparation had negatively affected the team, Hendricks gave a firm response.

“No this has not disturbed us at all. Whatever happens, happens. What need to do is focus on what we can control,” said Hendricks.

Ahead of the battle against Rwanda, Hendricks says he and his teammates “can’t wait to get started”.

“You can expect a lot of energy. Hard work on defence and hustling. We are going to give a hundred per cent out there. We can’t wait to get this thing (U18 AfroBasket) started,” said Hendricks.

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He also pointed to an area of the game where he and his teammates can potentially benefit.

“Defence… We are an undersized team, so our defence has got to be what separates us from everyone else. So when we hustle on defence, when we don’t give up rebounds and make we sure we are the best defensive team, it can help us win this tournament,” said Hendricks.

Going into this tournament, Hendricks and his teammates will have wise heads leading them from the sidelines. He hailed the appointments of senior men’s national team coaches Florsheim Ngwenya and Craig Gilchrist for the continental mission.

“They are legends of South African basketball. It’s incredible for the team to work with them at this level. We get to learn from coaches who are as experienced as they are and have so much knowledge of the game,” said Hendricks.

The journey to the AfroBasket seems like an epic ride for this young South African team, while the challenges of preparation are glaring, Hendricks did not waver from his tone of confidence, delivering this message for his team.

“We need to keep our heads up. Block out the external noise. Work as hard as we can because I believe we got this,” concluded Hendricks.

South Africa is in Group C, alongside Morocco, Rwanda and Zambia.

To see fixtures click on the FIBA U18 AfroBasket link.

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