Started on August 20 with 16 teams vying for the title, the 27th edition of Afrobasket 2013 moves towards its end. There are more than four contenders for the title of Champion of Africa in 2013 basketball. A champion will be announced on August 31, the night of the final (charts with fibaafrica ) .

But before Ivory Coast host the event – , Angola (Africa vice-champion), Senegal and Egypt last survivors, will compete in the semi- final tickets on August 30.

 

Senegal-Egypt: meeting of surprising guests

Indeed, Egypt and Senegal have upset the odds to slip into the aces of Afrobasket 2013. For the semi-finals, the Lions of Senegal, unconvincing so far, have defied the D’ Tigers of Nigeria as a result of their fighting spirit and sacrifice (like Saer Sene who kept his place in snowshoeing despite a sore knee) “(…) We played collectively and everyone went to rebound, everyone threw the ball,” said Thomas Isamaël , very happy , at the micro of RFI . Undefeated before the quarter-final against Senegal, and author of the highest score in this Afrobasket, Nigeria led by one of the best players in the competition, Ike Diogu lost its basketball against the collective Lions at the astonishment of the Senegalese themselves. To give the opportunity to play another final after 1997, date of its fifth and last continental title, Senegal on Friday will get rid of Egypt that runs behind its sixth trophy after that of 1983. Last in Group A with three defeats in as many games, Egypt regained its Pharaonic prestige in the knockout games. Executioner of Tunisia champion in the eighth -finals, the Egyptian selection has qualified for the semi-finals with the winning shot of Ibrahim El- Gammal (16 pts) in the final seconds of the quarterfinal against Cape Verde. Upon return to Senegal which beat them in the group stage, Egypt is perhaps not favorite, but it has already proven that the odds have no place in a game.

 

Ivory Coast-Angola: the hour of revenge, a favorite must fall

Unbeaten leader in Pool A, Côte d’ Ivoire had outperformed Burkina Faso in the second round ( 100-60 ) . But the Elephants were not yet convinced that their audience was expecting a reference match to believe in the possibility of a third medal after 1981 and 1985. And the quarter-final against Cameroon has cleared some doubts. Used to a diesel start, the Elephants have full turbo against the Lions, by being at the height of a physical challenge. Mentioned among the favorites for the title, the Elephants in the semifinals in the two previous editions, will want to curb the momentum of Angola , ogre of African basketball .

For if it is true that the Palais des Sports Treichville is committed to the progress of Pope Phillipe Amagou and co, the Palanca Negras have already proved with their ten titles of champion of Africa that they know how to play through adversity. Also undefeated since the start of the tournament, Angola built its victories over a brimming team. Beaten in the final in 2009, its opponent in the semis , Côte d’Ivoire wants to revenge , like Angola, which had lost the 1985 final , already at the Palais des Sports. Ivory Coast-Angola a final earlier than scheduled, a favorite must fall.

Program of the semifinals Friday, August 30

16: 00: Egypt-Senegal

18: 30: Ivory Coast-Angola