FIBA Women’s World Cup Semis: Can Host Rwanda Overcome Senegal’s Unbeaten Streak?

Senegal remains the only undefeated team in the tournament but will face hosts Rwanda in the semis on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

Unbeaten Senegal appears stronger on paper but will face hosts Rwanda, who are likely to rely on their strong home crowd.

Senegal has a strong record and numbers, but can host Rwanda have the potential to upset them and advance to the final?

Cierra Dillard, a key player for Senegal’s offense, faces formidable opponents like Destiney Philoxy or Ineza Sifa, despite her average of 14 points and 6.3 assists per game.

Also, Rwanda’s Bella Murekatete will face Senegal’s top players Madjiguene Sene, Fatou Diagne, and Khadidiatou Sarr in an intriguing matchup.

Rising star Ndioma Kane leads Senegal with 17 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, but her ability to maintain her rhythm against former WNBA player Keisha Hampton remains uncertain.

Local fans consistently show their support for their heroes at BK Arena, which has been crucial for the hosts, except Great Britain which outclassed Rwanda in Group D, while Lebanon and Argentina struggled to adhere to game plans due to the home crowd’s impact.

Rwandan stars Bella Murekatete, Ineza Sifa, and Keisha Hampton will need to perform well to lead their team to the final, but Senegal should not be afraid of the home crowd. The statistics indicate that Rwanda’s bench is unlikely to be able to contain Senegal, the only undefeated team in the competition thus far.

Cheikh Sarr’s concerns about Rwanda’s bench production were heightened in the 75-61 loss to Great Britain, where the team’s bench was outscored 34-9.

Offensively, Senegal has the second-highest point average per game, behind Hungary, with 73 points, compared to Rwanda’s 66.

Senegal, averaging 53 rebounds per game, set a record for most rebounds in a single game in the painted area, surpassing Rwanda’s 44.

Senegal and Rwanda last faced off in a major competition, with Senegal winning 71-61 in a Group Phase match at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2011 in Bamako, Mali.

Rwanda, previously missed five biennial continental events, before returning as hosts of the 2023 Women’s AfroBasket.

Rwanda head coach Cheikh Sarr, a Senegalese who has been in charge of Rwanda’s national teams for four years, is expected to lead the team in a historic match. He emphasized the importance of discipline, sticking to game plans, and executing one-on-one in pick-and-roll situations against Senegal’s physical and shooter-friendly style.