ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) - Cameroon secured third place in the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket tournament by defeating Mali 73–69 at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
However, the Cameroonians had to hold off a comeback from Mali in the fourth quarter. Mali scored 24 points, but missed too many crucial free throws.
Following Semi-Final defeats yesterday, the start to the game looked like it was Cameroon that had put the loss behind them and quickly focused on the Bronze Medal Game. They started the game on a 13-2 run and led 16-4 before Mali reacted for the quarter to end 20-14.
Through the second and third quarter, Cameroon looked to be in control as their lead was mostly in double digits.
Down by 14 points at the start of the fourth quarter, Mali had all the work to do. The side started to chip away at the lead sparked by Ibourahima Coulibaly, Sambala Sissoko, and Alassane Doucoure.
With just six minutes to play, Cameroon’s lead was down to just 2 points (64-62) and coach Kevin Ngwese called for a timeout. On return, it was Sissoko that put Mali in the lead for the first time with a 3-pointer but Daryl Baya and Felix Deumi restored Cameroon’s lead and held on for the win.
Cameroon’s starting backcourt pair of James Minlend and Norlan Ngangmeni led the way with 23 and 13 points respectively. Ronny Ewanke scored 11 points, picked 9 rebounds and made 5 assists.
Mohamed Keit (14 points) and Aboubacar Konate (11) scored in double digits for Mali.
FIBA