Nigeria claim victory over tough rivals Mali at semi finals in Dakar.
Similar fixture to 2017, in Mali where the host lost to Nigeria by a single point. A hunting ghost the Malians wanted to correct desperately at this fixture but it was obvious D’Tigress got better and was ready for the challenge.
The immense defense pressure and full court press instructed by D’Tigress head coach Otis Hughley and his coaching crew, however did not make that a reality and was enough to seal the day with a wide score line.
The quarters ended Q1 (25 ) – (12), Q2 (42) – (28), Q3 (59) – (40), Q4 (79) – (58). D’Tigress kept awesome composure to claim the win with amazing performances by Evelyn Akhator with double double 12 points and 13 rebounds, Ezinne Kalu 19 points, Adaora Elonu 13 points and Ify Ibekwe 12points coupled with multiple contributions from the rest of the team.
21 points was the difference at full time. “The point difference wasn’t a reflection of the match up, i give total credit to the Malians coaching crew and players for the intense game” Head Coach Otis Hughley admitted at the press conference, where he also cleared the air getting to the finals wasn’t an easy work for his team who had barely one week preparation.
D’Tigress face 2019 host Senegal at the finals on the 18th of August, 2019 at the Dakar Arena.
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