LUANDA (Angola) - Regardless of the outcome of the 2025 AfroBasket Final, this year's tournament was one of the most competitive in history.
With close games, single-digit win-loss margins, and uncertainty until the end, the Angola 2025 showpiece proved that no team could easily take home the trophy.
By the time hosts Angola and Mali meet for the title game, 35 games will have passed since the event began on August 12.
So, who will win the AfroBasket title? Angola or Mali?
Here is everything you need to know about the 2025 AfroBasket Final.
How to watch
The grande finale is scheduled for Sunday, August 24 at 19:00 (GMT+) at Pavilhao Multiusos do Kilamba in Luanda.
For more information on how to watch the Final, CLICK HERE.
Angola vs Mali Head-to-Head
Angola and Mali have not faced each other since Angola last won the African Championship title in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, in 2013. In that tournament, Angola trounced Mali 82–36 in the group phase.
Before that day in Abidjan, Angola had beaten Mali three other times: in 1999, 2005, and 2009.
What makes this a special occasion for both teams?
The eleven-time African champions, Angola, have not reached an AfroBasket tournament since they lost to Nigeria on August 30, 2015. This marks a decade-long drought for a country accustomed to seeing its heroes on the tournament's final day.
Mali, a potent and promising up-and-comer, has dominated youth tournaments across the continent, winning U16 and U18 titles time and time again. However, this is their first AfroBasket final at the senior level.
What do the numbers show?
A thorough examination of the differences between Angola and Mali reveals more similarities than differences.
In terms of points scored per game, Angola averaged 79.8, while Mali averaged 79.
Mali had a better rebounding average with 46.5 boards per game, compared to Angola's 40.2.
Shooting opportunities? Both Angola and Mali averaged 18.4 assists per game.
In terms of shooting success, both teams seem equal, with Angola averaging a field-goal percentage of 41 and Mali averaging 40.
How did they reach the final?
Angola began their 2025 AfroBasket campaign with an 85-53 victory over Libya in Luanda, then continued it in the southern Angolan city of Moçâmedes.
Back in the capital, Angola maintained their undefeated record to advance to the championship with a perfect 5-0.
Meanwhile, Mali started their 2025 AfroBasket journey with a 74-59 loss to Egypt, then suffered their second loss to Senegal (80-70).
Mali reached the championship game with four wins in six games.
August 24
If Mali beats Angola on August 24, it will certainly be a special date in the country's basketball history.
For Angola, August 24 is already significant because they defeated Senegal in the 2005 final in Algiers, Algeria.
Key Players
Childe Dundao and Alou Diarra have become the heartbeat of their teams.
Dundao scored more points per game than any other Angolan player, averaging 15.5 points per game, while Mahamane Coulibaly led Mali in scoring with 16 points per game.
Real Madrid power forward Bruno Fernando led Angola in rebounding with an average of 7.4 boards per game, compared to Alou Diarra's 10.5.
Dundao averaged six assists per game, compared to Siriman Kanoute's 8.5.
Biggest difference
The starkest difference between Angola and Mali is evident on their respective benches, with Angola outscoring Mali 40-21.
FIBA