BAMAKO (Mali) - The Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga was filled up as fans throng the gymnasium to catch a glimpse of their  darling team, Mali perform the unthinkable.

The hosts pulled a last seconds stunt to edge out Algeria after trailing from the jump-ball and entering the last quarter with a 15-point deficit (40-55) to secure a nail-bitting 70-68 win which has put them in good stead to pick a direct quarter final ticket. 

In order games of the day Tunisia took over Guinea 77-58, Angola had the better of Chad by 95-83 points while Kenya stay strong to past Nigeria  by 81-69 points.

Here are the Top-5 performers of the day who made their presence felt for their respective nations.

Ibrahim Djambo (MLI)

Ibrahim Djambo is one of few non-African-based players featuring at the inaugural edition of the AfroCan.The Malian international brought his experience to bear on the day his country needed victory in its opening Group A against group leader, Algeria. 

The 2.08m (6ft10in) forward who plies in trade in France led his nation to victory with team-best 16 points and 7 rebounds and an efficiency rating of 11. 

Childe Dundao (ANG)

With good court vision, the 21-year-old point guard was able to guide Angola to a much-deserved win over Chad.

 The 1.72m (5ft8in) recorded 17 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. He made most of his points from the free throw line with 85.71% success. 

Tylor Ongwe (KEN)

For the second day running, Kenya's small forward Tylor Ongwe proved to be the anchor for his team.

The 28-year-old put on a MVP performance as he pouring tournament-high of 31 points, 9 assists and 4 steals with efficiency rating of 29 in their first Group B win over highly rated Nigerian side.

Abdellah Hamdini (ALG)

His eviction due to accumulated personal foul midway into the last quarter was all Mali waited for to stun the Algerian who were already coasting home to victory. 

Hamdini who plies his trade in the Algerian league with GS Petroliers  basketball club was a thorn in the flesh of Mali before he left the court but not without leading his team with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 seals with an efficiency rating of 12.

Wassef Methnani (TUN)

The Tunisian forward was a delight to watch with his court movement and ball distributions. 

The 2.00m (6ft7in) who is only 20, led the North African's quest with a double double figure of 15 points and 10 rebounds and rated 18 in efficiency. 

Final preliminary games will be decided on Sunday at the Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga gymnasium. 

FIBA