The reigning champions sealed top spot in Group D to advance to the last eight courtesy of an 83-65 victory over Egypt at the BK Arena in Rwanda's capital.

Amy Okwonko starred in both defence and attack, rattling in 29 points and securing 13 rebounds in a stunning performance that saw her land all 11 of her free-throw attempts.

Murjanatu Musa also played a key role, scoring 18 points, while Nicole Enabosi notched 10 points.

"We knew we had a target painted on our backs," said Okwonko.

"We’re ready to play for each other and for the country.

"I think we can improve on our turnovers as we had way too many.

"We also need to improve on our shooting but I think we should continue to instil confidence in our shooters so they can improve too."

Mali, defeated by Nigeria in the 2021 final, also progressed to the quarter-finals after beating Senegal 72-49 in Group C.

Senegal have won the event a record 11 times, with the last of those coming in 2015 but they have now lost their opening two matches.

Th Senegalese team were in the contest as they trailed 33-28 only for Mali to go on a 26-point scoring run.

Sika Kone was the star performer for Mali, amassing 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

The other teams to qualify for the quarter-finals are Cameroon and hosts Rwanda.

Cameroon clinched top spot in Group B thanks to a 70-50 thumping of Guinea, with Monique Makani, Hermine Ngueko and Marina Ewodo scoring the bulk of the points.

Rwanda slumped to a 74-68 defeat to Angola, but it was not enough to deny them a place in the last eight as they topped Group A on game points difference.

The remaining quarter-final spots are set to be determined on Tuesday (August 1), with Angola taking on Guinea, Senegal tackling Egypt, Mozambique facing Ivory Coast and Uganda meeting the Democratic Republic of Congo.