Mali announce preliminary squad for title defense
BAMAKO (FIBA U16 Women’s African Championship 2017) – Mali coach Sidiya Oumarou has announced a 16-member preliminary list ahead of the FIBA U16 Women’s African Championship 2017 set for August 5-12
BAMAKO (FIBA U16 Women’s African Championship 2017) – Mali coach Sidiya Oumarou has announced a 16-member preliminary list ahead of the FIBA U16 Women’s African Championship 2017 set for August 5-12 in Mozambique.
Eyeing a record fifth straight African trophy at the biennial competition, the Malian tactician is not taking anything for granted and has included the foreign-based pair of Sika Kone and Fanta Daffe who ply their trade in Spain and France respectively.
The duo is expected to bring holistic experience and leadership to the youthful side that will be looking to replicate what their predecessors have made seem easy at first sight yet it has taken years of laying a good foundation that explains their dominance over the years since the inception of the event in 2009.
| Mali 16-player preliminary squad for FIBA U16 Women's African Championship 2017 | |||
| Saran Berthe | Diouma Berthe | Aissetou Coulibaly | Kadidia Coulibaly |
| Fanta Daffe | Assa Kane | Hawa Kante | Aissetou Kone |
| Fanta Kone | Sika Kone | Alima Kouyate | Aminata Sangare |
| Diarrah Issa Sissoko | Aminata Traore | Lalla Traore | Mariama Traore |
Mali will face a tough challenge from Angola, Egypt and hosts Mozambique but Oumarou's experience will come in handy at this level.
A wave of inspiration from their male counterparts who won the just concluded FIBA U16 African Championship in Mauritius will set the pace for the teenage girls who are keen on maintaining the status quo.
Oumarou is expected to name the final squad by next week as his side will travel to Beira in central Mozambique.
The top two teams from the Mozambique showpiece will qualify for the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 in Minsk, Belarus.
FIBA