Cameroon stormed into the FIBA U16 Women’s AfroBasket semifinals with a 62-42 win over Tunisia. Shanice Mbaha starred with 19 points, while Marie Messina added a double-double as Cameroon’s dominance on second-chance points sealed their historic debut run.
Last Updated on
September 12, 2025
Cameroon will go to battle in the semi-finals after dominating their quarter-final clash 62-42 against Tunisia.
Shanice Mbaha was the star of the show as the Central Africans delivered impressive performances in the second and third quarters to seal the victory, leading the offensive charge with 19 points. She had a 4-of-13 conversion from long range, adding seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and as many steals in the victory.
Additionally, the all-around performance of power forward Marie Messina, who recorded her second double-double of the tournament with 16 points and 10 rebounds, also helped to carry their nation to victory. Diona Aline Bienvenue led the side's defense, pulling down a team-high 15 boards.
The win puts Cameroon in prime position to fight for not only a FIBA U-17 Basketball World Cup slot but a chance to lift their maiden African title in their debut run at the U16 level.
Rahma Nefzi's driving layup gave Tunisia the opening advantage. Still, Mbaha scored her second attempt from long range to hand Cameroon the lead, starting a 7-0 run that extended their advantage while threatening to put Tunisia in 'catch-up mode' early. The North Africans fought to trail by 2 (14-12) as Nefzi shot from deep to bring the opening quarter action to a conclusion.
Tunisia went ahead, momentarily (16-14) in the opening minutes of the second, and further 19-16, forcing Cameroon into a timeout. Roua Allouche would score to make it 21-16, but Candice Nlengui started a 12-point run that turned the game on its head, giving the eventual winners a 28-21 advantage with 3:49 to play. Eight more points in the final minutes of the period meant Cameroon carried a 10-point advantage to the halftime break.
A basket for Nefzi and a free throw down the stretch for Rihem Omri were all the offensive contributions Tunisia could manage in a 14-3 quarter, effectively sealing the win for Cameroon.
Cameroon punished Tunisia's 26 turnovers, scoring 26 points off turnovers, 20 more than the North Africans could manage. They also dominated the paint, 32-26. Still, it was their second-chance point opportunities where they flexed their muscles, leaving little to imagination as to which team would eventually walk away victors.
The Central Africans will now have a day's rest before getting back on the court, where they will take on 6-time silver medalists Egypt on Saturday. Tunisia, meanwhile, turn their focus on the 7-8 classification match against Tanzania on Friday.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
