FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket 2026: Semi - Final Lineup Confirmed

ABIDJAN, August 12, 2026 — The quarterfinals of the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket 2026 delivered four decisive matchups at the Palais des Sports de Treichville, with Côte d’Ivoire continuing their impressive run on home soil.

After finishing the group stage unbeaten at 3-0, Côte d’Ivoire entered the knockout phase with confidence and delivered another convincing performance, defeating Tunisia 45-28 to book their place in the semi-finals.

The hosts will now face Nigeria in the last four on Friday, August 14, while the other semi-final will see defending champions Mali take on Egypt.

Côte d’Ivoire shut down Tunisia

Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia produced a highly defensive quarterfinal, with neither team able to establish a significant offensive rhythm early in the game.

However, the hosts gradually took control of the contest and eventually pulled away to secure a 45-28 victory.

The 17-point margin reflects a game in which Côte d’Ivoire's defensive organization proved decisive. After holding Tunisia to just 28 points, the Elephants completed their fourth consecutive victory of the tournament.

For a team that entered the competition with ambitions of challenging for the continental crown, the result represents another important step forward.

Nigeria end Cameroon’s run

In the other quarterfinal on Côte d’Ivoire's side of the bracket, Nigeria defeated Cameroon 75-45.

The Nigerian team controlled the game and secured a convincing 30-point victory, earning a place in Friday's semi-final against the host nation.

The matchup between Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria now promises to be one of the most anticipated games of the tournament, with a place in the championship game at stake.

Mali continue their remarkable semi-final tradition

Defending champions Mali also made a strong statement in the quarterfinals, overwhelming Kenya 93-22.

The victory sends Mali into the semi-finals for the 11th time in the last two decades, underlining the country's remarkable consistency in African women's youth basketball.

Mali's long-standing presence at this stage of the competition once again demonstrates why they remain one of the continent's major powers.

The defending champions will meet Egypt, who defeated Uganda 80-50 in the other quarterfinal.

The semi-final matchups are set

The results have established two fascinating semi-final battles:

🇲🇱 Mali vs Egypt 🇪🇬

🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire vs Nigeria 🇳🇬

For the hosts, this will be another major test after their perfect group-stage campaign and quarterfinal victory over Tunisia.

Playing in front of their home supporters, Côte d’Ivoire will have the opportunity to reach the AfroBasket U18 Women's final for the first time.

Mali will look to continue their impressive run and defend the title they won at the previous edition, while Egypt arrive in the semi-finals after a commanding victory over Uganda.

Côte d’Ivoire one win away from the final

The Elephants have now won four consecutive games in Abidjan and have conceded just 28 points in their quarterfinal victory.

But Nigeria represents a completely different challenge. With a place in the final at stake, Côte d’Ivoire will need another disciplined defensive performance and greater offensive efficiency to overcome one of Africa's traditional basketball powers.

The road to the title is getting shorter.

Four wins. One semi-final. One opportunity to make history.

Côte d’Ivoire now stands just one victory away from reaching the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket final on home soil.

Quarterfinal Results