ALGIERS (Algeria) - Mali have become familiar with the FIBA AfroBasket, having featured at the last seven editions of the tournament, and they seem prepared to do everything they can to return next year.

A three-time AfroBasket participant, point guard Mahamadou Kante has seen his side defy other African teams with mixed results along the way.

And he is first to admit that Mali faced some tough times during last month's First Round of Group D of the AfroBasket Qualifiers in Kigali where they faced Nigeria, Rwanda and South Sudan.

"PERSONALLY, I CAN'T BE SATISFIED WITH A SEVENTH OR FIFTH PLACE FINISH, I WANT TO LIFT THE [AFROBASKET] TROPHY."
- Mahamadou Kante

With only one win out of three to their credit, Kante feels they need to be more efficient if they want to visit the Kigali Arena again next year.

"We missed some collective play and preparation," he says, talking to FIBA.basketball.

Mali arrived in Kigali with little to no preparation. But rather than crying over spilled milk and look for excuses to explain their tough times, Kante is now looking forward to better moments in Second Round of the Qualifiers February 2021.

"We need to remain focused on our goal, which is to qualify for the Final Round," he insisted. 

Back in November, they secured their only win in their opening game against hosts Rwanda, closing the deal with a 70-64 victory. But they faced an ultra-competitive Nigeria and a surprising South Sudan side, suffering two defeats in a row.

"Clearly, we came for something better than this. But we must say that we were caught unaware by South Sudan, who displayed discipline and physical abilities," he said.

So much so that Kante is calling for revenge.

The next window, in February, will determine who will advance to Final Round. And for Mali to be there, they need to secure victories over Nigeria and South Sudan at the least.

"[The February Qualifying window] It is crucial for us now. And it hurts a bit when we realize that we could have won our games, had we been better prepared," argues the 1,92 m (6ft 4in) guard.

Mahamadou Kante is seen in action against Nigeria in the First Round of the Qualifiers in Kigali

But to get there, the team needs to be more prepared.

"We have lacked some collective play. The current state of affairs, with the COVID-19, has made it difficult for us to meet before the tournament. I hope we can make it for the next round," notes the player, who averaged 6.7 points, 3 assists and 2.7 rebounds during the November Qualifiers.

Despite the tough times Mali have lived through in Kigali, they remain confident about their qualification chances.

He added that the debut of Mali wonderkid Siriman Kanoute brings hope.

"He has shown that he can fit in. He lacks experience, but he is willing to learn and this will certainly encourage other youngsters to join the senior team if given the opportunity."

Ambitious Mali hope to regroup for a better showing in the February Qualifiers window

Kante also has some personal goals with his national team. One of them is making it to a fourth FIBA AfroBasket appearance, while another one would be to lift the trophy alongside his teammates.

"In [AfroBasket] 2015, we finished seventh. That year, we were prepared for it and most of the players continue to part of the national team. But personally, I can't be satisfied with a seventh or fifth place. I want to lift the [AfroBasket] trophy."

FIBA