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As in 2017, the final of the African Championship of women's basketball nations (Afrobasket) will pit the Nigerians, defending champions, Senegalese, August 18, 2019 in Diamniadio. If the team of Nigeria has easily qualified against Mali, August 16 in the semifinal, that of Senegal had to redress a very compromised situation against Mozambique, this Friday at the Dakar Arena.
What a change in situation ! Spectators attending Senegal-Mozambique are not about to forget the second semifinal of the 2019 African Women's Basketball Nations Championship (Afrobasket). In an Dakar Arena that was won over by them, Senegalese basketball players managed to qualify in the finals of the Afrobasket 2019, despite a very compromised situation.
The "Teranga Lionesses" have indeed made a start of nightmarish match against Mozambicans, this August 16 in Diamniadio. Very aggressive lusophones thus made 16 points at half-time (35-19).
What did Cheikh Sarr, the Senegalese coach, say to his players at the break in the locker room? The technician was able to find the words, obviously. For his protégés have passed a 22-9 to their rivals, during the third quarter time. The last ten minutes were then unresponsive, both Senegalese and Mozambicans surrendered. But the winger Astou Traore was able to keep his calm, when to enter some decisive free throws. Final score: 60-57.
Nigerian XXL
The other semifinal was much less contested and almost one-way (79-58). The Nigerians have never really left their chance to Malian, realizing including a big start to the match (25-12 at the end of the first quarter time).
The champions of Africa in title were certainly clumsy in attack. But they gave themselves a lot of second shot chances, being very aggressive offensive rebound (21 shots). This domination under the baskets will suffice them in the final of the Afrobasket 2019 to retain their trophy, August 18, against Senegalese eager for revenge after their defeat in 2017?