ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - There has been a number of epic battles in the history of the FIBA U18 African Championship, but the matchup between Mali and Senegal two years ago was simply remarkable. 

Unlike previous editions of the 12-team tournament, the 2020 FIBA U18 African Championship in Cairo consisted of only four teams - Egypt, Guinea, Mali and Senegal - mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic that prevented some teams from traveling to the Egyptian capital.

Hosts Egypt, Guinea, Mali and Senegal played a total of 10 games over the course of six days (December 3-9) in the Egyptian capital.

After registering three straight defeats in the Group Phase against Guinea, Egypt and Senegal, Mali responded to the slow start with an unthinkable comeback.

With the 0-3 record behind them, Mali upset undefeated Egypt in the Semi-Finals (79-70) before knocking out Senegal - a team they lost to 80-78 in the Group Phase - to retain the African title thanks to the 82-80 victory.

 
Two years earlier, Mali outscored Senegal 78-76 to win the title in front of their home fans in Bamako.

Two years ago, Mali trailed 38-36 at the break, but they kept their best for last. They outscored Senegal 31-18 in the third quarter to enter the final ten minutes in front 67-56. 

With Senegal racing against the clock, Mali used their advantage smartly to secure the remarkable win.

Bourama Coulibaly dropped a game high 21 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds to propel Mali to a surprise win over Senegal who had been marked as favorites. 

Khalifa Diop, who was drafted by Cleveland Cavaliers with the 39th pick in last month's NBA Draft, recorded a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds,  his teammate Babacar Sane - who currently plays for the NBA Academy Africa - scored 18 points but their efforts were not enough to help Senegal to their first-ever title. 

The day belonged to Mali's Bourama Coulibaly.

Coulibaly led Mali in scoring with 21 points in the Final against a familiar foe in Senegal while also registering five assists and five rebounds on the night.

Coulibaly's display not sent Mali to the 2021 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, but he was eventually named the 2020 FIBA U18 Africa Championship Most Valuable Player. 

FIBA