Antananarivo (21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women) – Africa top-seeded women basketball team, Senegal Sunday proved book makers right with a five-star performance in the final of the 21st FIBA Africa Championship for Women at the Palais Des Sport in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
Powered on by Aya Traore the Senegalese took the second quarter by 19-14 points for a half-time break of 47-23 points taking a big 24 points lead.
The Malian not wanting to give easily tries to fight back their effort was simply not enough, though they won in the third quarter by 14-09 points and also took the fourth quarter by 20-16 points but the damage has already being done as the Senegalese frustrated all attempt by the Malian to come back into the game as time thick away.
Senegal eventually won the battle of the champions by 72-57 points to be crowned Africa champion for the tenth time.
Aya Traore led the floor with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, Fatou Dieng added 17 points while the duo of Mame Diouf and Mame Sy contributed 11 and 10 points respectively.
Mali and former Africa most valuable player, Hamchetou Maiga led her team with 17 points and 6 rebounds, Djene Diawara had a double double figure of 13 points and 12 rebounds just as Djene Sissoko added 11 points.
Both finalists will represent Africa at the 2010 FIBA Championship in Czech Republic.