World No. 8 Tunisia and No. 33 Ghana won the semifinals of the first-ever Youth Baseball5 African Championship in Cape Coast, Ghana, and qualified for the inaugural WBSC Youth Baseball5 World Cup.
Ghana sent the local fans crazy, winning the first semifinal. The hosts swept Zambia, 2-0 (6-3, 8-0) in a thrilling atmosphere.
"I feel so grateful," commented head coach Daniel Atiemo. "Participating in the Youth Baseball5 World Cup will help us develop more talent in Ghana. I love Baseball5 and want everybody to love the game like I do. Thank you, WBSC, for introducing this game to Africa."
"I'm impressed by these fans," commented WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. "Baseball5 is building a brand new baseball/softball community in Africa."
Tunisia overcame South Africa, 2-0, after two very tight matches (7-6, 7-6).
"It's mixed feelings," commented head coach Alouan Touhamy. "I'm proud, happy, grateful. It's an honour to take my country to the Youth Baseball5 World Cup after participating in the Baseball5 World Cup in Mexico."
He added: "Baseball5 is a new game in my country. I'm confident this success will get more kids to try Baseball5."
Tunisia and Ghana became the sixth and seventh National Teams to qualify for the inaugural Youth Baseball5 World Cup.
Africa (2) No. 8 Tunisia, No. 33 Ghana
Americas (3) The qualifying tournament is scheduled in July in La Guaira, Venezuela
Asia (3) - No. 2 Chinese Taipei, China, No. 12 South Korea
Europe (2) - No. 3 France, No. 20 Türkiye
Oceania (1)
Host Nation (1)
The WBSC is in the process of awarding the hosting rights of the 12-team Youth Baseball5 World Cup.
The medal games of the Youth Baseball5 African Championship are scheduled for Sunday, 21 May.
On Saturday morning, Nigeria beat Benin 2-0 (10-3, 17-2), and Tanzania overcame Burkina Faso 2-1 ( 8-9, 6-3, 11-10) in the placement games of the Youth Baseball5 African Championship.
Standings 5-8 place
5. Tanzania
6. Burkina Faso
7. Nigeria
8. Benin
