Egypt has won the 2019 FIBA African Under 16 Boys Championship beating 2017 Champions Mali 66-57 in the final game played in Cape Verde’s capital, Praia.
The North Africans shocked then reigning champions Mali who looked ready to clinch back to back titles in the age category tournament.
Maomen Abouzeid produced a game MVP performance by registering 19 points and five rebounds in the win. Abdouzeid was eventually named Most Valuable Player of the Tournament after averaging 15.3 points, 1.6 assists and four rebounds in seven games.
The finalists will represent Africa at the FIBA Under 17 World Cup and hope to develop into standout performers like Mali’s victorious 2017 group who became the first African nation to feature at the Under 19 World Cup final.
Nigeria inched past Guinea via a 54-53 win to win the bronze medal and make it to the podium. Guinea and Rwanda completed the top five spots in the ten nation competition.
The Female edition takes place in Rwanda later this month.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
