2nd day: Mozambique 67 - Mali 54

BENGHAZI (Afrobasket 2009) - Mali came out stronger against Mozambique in its second group-B Thursday after going down to defending champion, Angola on Day-1 of the FIBA Africa Championship for Men at the Sulieman Al-Darat Hall in Benghazi, Libya.

The Malian won the first quarter of the keenly contested game by 18-17 points and redoubles the effort on resumption of the third quarter winning by 18-16 points to go for half-time break with three points advantage of 36-33 points.

Young Mali guard and 2006 FIBA Africa Championship for U18 Men most valuable player, Waly Coulibaly gave an indication that he has indeed matured by contributing positively to his team search for first victory.

The young shooting guard was instrumental to his team huge win in the third quarter by 18-08 points to further widen the gab between them and the Mozambican.

At the end of the buzzer, Mali was crowned winner by 67-54 points, the valuable win is enough to see them through to the second round of the championship as they file out against Egypt for their final group game on Friday.

Mali forward Nouha Diakite led the floor with 17 points and 8 rebounds, young Waly Coulibaly added 15 points while Amara Sy had his name on the score-sheet with 13 points. Mozambique duo of Octavio Magolico and Luis Barros scored 11 and 10 points respectively.

FIBA Africa