KIGALI (Rwanda) – The defending champions, Mali, confirmed their status as favourites for the 2025 FIBA U16 Women’s AfroBasket tournament by achieving a decisive victory of 76–32 against Guinea. Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire narrowly overcame Angola with a score of 54–51.
Below is a review of the events that took place at the Petit Stade in Kigali, Rwanda, on Tuesday.
Mali impose their rhythm against Guinea
In a one-sided contest at the Petit Stade in Kigali, Mali maintained their unbeaten record and finished the group stage strongly.
The reigning champions wasted little time, racing to an 18–4 lead and finishing the first quarter 27–12 ahead. They opened the second period with a 10-0 run, extending their lead to 37-12. By halftime, they were firmly in control, leading 42-16.
Guinea only reached the 20-point mark at the start of the third quarter, but Mali were already out of reach by then.
Mali continued to dictate the pace, closing the game with a 17–9 fourth quarter and sealing their third consecutive victory, as well as their largest margin of the tournament (44 points).
Mali’s collective effort was on full display: they dished out 20 assists compared to Guinea’s 11, and their bench delivered 28 points compared to just six from their opponents.
Although no Malian player recorded a double-double, four finished with double-digit scores.
Aichata Keita led the way with 18 points and three rebounds, Napily Issa Traoré added 14 points and eight boards, and Amie Setou Kantao and Mariya Diawara each contributed 11 points and five rebounds.
Despite the dominant win, Traoré stressed the need to stay sharp: “We will remain calm, but we must correct some mistakes if we want to go as far as possible,” she said.
Côte d’Ivoire turn the tide against Angola
The earlier Group B game between Angola and Côte d'Ivoire was somehow dramatic, with the latter overcoming Angola 54–51 to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Angola appeared to be the stronger team in the early stages, displaying greater energy and establishing a lead thanks to the efforts of Benilde Cauco, who finished with an impressive 16 points and 18 rebounds.
However, the momentum shifted late in the third quarter when Côte d’Ivoire finally found their rhythm.
The turning point came with the introduction of Gnaman Ella Koné from the bench. She scored 12 points, including a crucial basket that capped a decisive 17–6 run. This gave Côte d’Ivoire a 37-35 heading to the final quarter.
From there, the Ivorians had to withstand a late surge from Angola. The Southern Africans closed the gap to just three points in the dying seconds, but with only two seconds left on the clock, Côte d’Ivoire's victory was assured.
Jane Mary Diomande also played a starring role, providing the inside presence Côte d’Ivoire needed with 16 points and 8 rebounds.
Head coach Thomas Hilaire Thano N’Da praised his team’s defensive adjustments. “We tried to neutralise their shooters by doubling them up. Our bigs also played well. That strategy forced them into making mistakes and missing shots.”
Despite the narrow victory, the coach emphasised the need to move forward quickly. 'We are happy with the win, but we have to put it behind us and prepare for the next game.'
FIBA