POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Fousseyni Drame
FINAL
Mali - Senegal 78-76
Mali clinched their first ever African U18 title. They nipped Senegal in the thrilling championship game in Bamako. Fousseyni Drame (200-SF-00) came up with 19 points and 10 rebounds for the hosts. It was a seesaw action right from the start. Senegal jumped to a 23:20 lead after ten minutes. Mali denied the deficit to take a 43:34 halftime lead. Senegal responded with a 21:10 run in the third quarter to regain the lead. But Mali dropped 25 points in the fourth period to escape with a narrow win at the end. Abdoul Coulibaly (204-F-00) netted 14 points for the winning side. Amar Sylla (206-C-01) and Biram Faye (206-C-00) answered with 17 points apiece for Senegal.
3-4 Place
Angola - Egypt 78-89
Egypt rolled past Angola to earn the Bronze medals in Bamako. Egypt eked out a 43:42 halftime lead. They ignited a massive 21:9 rally in the third term to clear off for good. Momen Hassan (195-F/G-01) tallied 24 points, while Ibrahim Ibrahim (193-F-00) added 23 points and 15 rebounds to pace the winners. Selton Miguel (194-F-00) answered with 24 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for Angola.
5-6 Place
DR Congo - Rwanda 79-69
DR Congo earned the fifth place at the championship. They overcame Rwanda in the final game at the tournament. Pierre Kasereka (180-SF-01) and Heritier Ngalamulume (202-C-00) delivered 26 points each for the winners. Rwanda grabbed a 16:9 lead after ten minutes. But DR Congo went on a 53:34 run in the next two periods to take a 12-point lead. Rwanda cut the distance in the fourth frame but could not avoid the loss. Elias Ngoga (208-C-01) answered with 14 points and 7 rebounds for Rwanda.
7-8 Place
Tunisia - Libya 85-74
Tunisia finished the tournament on a high note. They held off Libya to earn the 7th overall position. Tunisia built a 48:39 halftime lead. They followed with a stunning 25:9 rally in the third term to clear off for good. Ahmed Ammari (199-F-00) tossed in 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for Tunisia. Mohamed Taher (197-F-00) added 20 points in the victory. Adrees Zeew (198-F-00) responded with 28 points and 11 rebounds for Libya.
