Saturday, August 24

Semi-finals

Great Britain Vs Hungary 5pm

Rwanda Vs Senegal 8pm

Hosts Rwanda clash with Senegal in the semi-finals of the ongoing 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup pre-qualifiers on Saturday, August 24, at 8 PM.

Senegal enter the semi-finals as the only undefeated team in the tournament, boasting both strong numbers and a favourable history.

However, the hosts, Rwanda, are poised to pull a huge upset and end the 2023 FIBA Women's Afrobaket runners-up's unbeaten run and aim for a spot in the final.

ALSO READ: FIBA W’cup qualifiers: Rwanda women taste first loss against Great Britain

Prior to the game, Rwanda head coach Cheikh Sarr said, "We know Senegal's style of play. They play full-court press; they are very physical; they have very good shooters as well. it's up to us to be disciplined, stick to our game plan and we need to be able to execute one-on-one in pick-and-roll situations."

The game promises to be an exciting showdown, particularly with Rwanda’s Bella Murekatete going head-to-head against Senegal’s towering players Madjiguene Sene and Khadidiatou Sarr.

Senegal’s rising star Ndioma Kane leads her team with an impressive average of 17 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. It remains to be seen if she can maintain her momentum against Rwanda's former WNBA player, Keisha Hampton.

Rwanda’s standout players Murekatete, Sifa Ineza Sifa, and Keisha Hampton, will need to deliver exceptional performances to steer the team to victory and secure a place in the final.

Except for friendly games, the last time Senegal and Rwanda faced off at a major competition, the former prevailed 71-61 during a Group Phase match at FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2011 held in Bamako, Mali.

ALSO READ: FIBA W.C qualifiers: Sarr tips his players to 'keep fighting' vs GB

Rwanda missed out the subsequent five editions of the biennial continental event before returning as hosts of the 2023 Women's AfroBasket.

There might be a poor history between these two teams, but all eyes will be on Cheikh Sarr, a Senegalese who coached his native country's national teams (men and women), before his appointment to take charge of Rwandan men and women teams for the past four years.

The winner of the matchup will face either Geat Britain or Hungary who face off in an earlier tip-off cruch game at 5pm.