BAL success put Mali as contender for AfroCan title
If the form which saw Stade Malien reached an enviable position in the BAL is anything to go by, then the other countries will have to guide their loins against a rampaging a talented home-grown team.
BAMAKO (Mali) - Mali champions, Stade Malien proved they can no longer be ignored when the Basketball African League (BAL) is talked about. Their performance as first-timers speaks volumes, especially for those who are familiar with the BAL.
This is simply because of the strides they made in the novel league which has attracted some of the best players from across the world.
Season 3 of the BAL, however, remains a special one for the club as they finished third place in their first appearance. No doubt, it was an impressive performance.
However, what has caught the attention of many is the Stade Malien roster which was dominantly loaded with players from the domestic league and coached by Kaba Kante.
Incidentally, Mali will enjoy the services of Stade Malien players and that of Coach Kante who will lead the charge of the West African nation in the AfroCan Final Round.
Makan Keita emerged as one of the highlights for Stade Malien at the BAL Season 3
If the form which saw Stade Malien reach an enviable position in the BAL is anything to go by, then the other countries will have to guide their loins against a rampaging home-grown young men that have built a chemistry among themselves.
Mali, at the inaugural edition of the AfroCan in 2019, finished in 5th place but will be a strong contender to the title against reigning champions DR Congo, runners-up Kenya, third-placed Angola and fourth-place Morocco.
Coach Kante and his squad will want to carry the zeal from the BAL and make it count for Mali this time around.
Mali had a promising start to the 2019 AfroCan, but a 69-61 loss to Morocco in the Quarter-Finals ended the hosts' title aspirations
Stade Malien captain Makan Keita led a determined squad to make history and is likely to do so again with the Mali team at the AfroCan.
As the Final Round of the AfroCan approaches, the big question on the lips of fans is if they will have the opportunity to see him at the AfroCan in Angola. It is a puzzle that will remain unanswered. Should he be available for Mali, the battle for the title will be a lot more fierce.
FIBA