The duo combined to good effect in their first beach volleyball tie of the day, as they defeated the Sierra Leone team in straight sets by a 21-17, 22-20 scoreline.

They followed up the triumph by overcoming Gambia’s pairing 21-14, 18-21, 15-13 in the second match of the day to book their place in the semi-finals.

The loss ended Gambia’s chances of reaching the semi-finals and also brought their prospects of reaching Rio 2016 to an end.

Mauritius will now take on Rwanda in the semi-final stage of the competition, with their opponents having overcome Morocco and Namibia in their two ties.

The winners will move to the brink of earning a place in the women’s competition at Rio 2016, with the winners of the tournament assured of a place.

Hosts and African champions Nigeria also moved a step closer to the Games as they defeated Ghana and Rwanda in straight sets to reach the semi-finals.

They will now meet Egypt, who secured wins against Mozambique and Namibia.