By Kehinde Okeowo
Host of the 2021 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship, Cameroon, have been eliminated from the competition.
The host crashed out after losing 51-52 points to Mali in a keenly contested match between two of African’s basketball power houses.
Cameroon were the better side in the 1st quarter, as they dominating proceedings and won the quarter 19-12 points.
The Malian girls woke up from their slumber in the 2nd quarter and won by 11-7 points. Thus, the 1st half ended in favour of Cameroon 26-23 points.
Mali started the 2nd half the way they ended the 1st half, as they dominated their host, Cameroon, in the 3rd quarter and won 18-12 points.
Cameroon fought back in the final quarter to win 13-11 points, but it was too late, as they were unable to make up for the three points deficit they suffered going into the 4th quarter.
Mali won the encounter narrowly by 52-51 points to book a place in the final against either Senegal or the defending champion, Nigeria, who will play each other in the second semi-final match today.