Today’s semifinal clash at the 2022 FIBA U18 African stage will see two teams advance to the finals of the championship, currently underway in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Both teams will also automatically qualify to represent the continent in next year’s U-19 World Cup tournament.

Mali shook off Benin in the quarter finals and will face Madagascar while ‘the surprisingly performing’ of Angola youngsters will clash against Egypt in the opening game of the day.

Here's a closer look at the two games.

Mali vs Madagascar

Mali entered the tournament with high hopes of winning three-peat, but Madagascar, also the host, wants to prove otherwise.

This is against a backdrop that none of the two contenders had an easy way up the ladder to the semifinals.

If the previous games are anything to go by, Madagascar reached the semis at 3-1, with Mali winning four of their previous five games.

It will be both teams’ first encounter in the history of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Madagascar youngsters are a bit comfortable. The local fanbase continues to seamlessly support the group. This has in many ways lessened any solace in difficulty.

This has been further exacerbated by the fact that it is the first time the island comes close to prospects of winning a continental championship.

Egypt vs Angola

No-one expected Angola at this stage of competition. But yet, here they are, surprising everyone. Angola have built themselves a reputation at this present edition of the FIBA U18 African Championship.

They have been described as giant-killers particularly after beating Mali and Senegal in previous games.

However, not all is cut out, they face a major difficulty: they have not been prone to regularity since the start.

This is explained by the fact that they haven't competed in two years, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But they know how to work together as they proved it against Senegal.

Angola are headed to the Semi-Finals with a 3-2 mark, while Egypt are 4-1.

When Angola and Egypt faced off in the Group Phase, Egypt prevailed 49-.43.

Egypt has also suffered a defeat to the hands of Mali, but the Pharaohs have devised a plan to keep up with Angola.