KIGALI (Rwanda) – Mali and Côte d’Ivoire started their 2025 FIBA U16 Women’s AfroBasket campaigns on a victorious note, as they saw off Angola and Guinea respectively.
Here's how Wednesday's double-header unfolded.
Mali beat Angola for ninth time in a row
Mali’s debut was a much awaited event, and the reigning champions made sure they walked away with the win.
However, it was no walk in the part, as Angola tested Mali’s mettle all game long, they ran out of energy against the reigning champions.
While Angola led for some time, they were met with Mali’s fighting spirit and eventually fell back. A six-point lead was all the Western Africans needed to take control of the game at the start of the second quarter.
Mali eventually won the matchup 52-44.
This was Mali's ninth consecutive victory against Angola since the tournament began in 2009.
“It was the first game for us, and the first game is never easy”, admitted Mali’s head coach Moussa Dao.
He continued: “This game has been good to us, as we will play more freely in the coming games. And some of our players had three fouls, and we had to manage so we could finish the game.”
Mali, a dominant force throughout the tournament's history, extended their winning streak to 41–4, dating back to 2009.
Cote d’Ivoire trounce Guinea
The first Group B encounter was a walk in the park for Cote d’Ivoire as the Western Africans handed Guinea a 40-point loss (74-34).
Jane Mary Diomande led the charge for Cote d’Ivoire with 24 points off the bench and 12 rebounds, while Kadiatou Kaba’s 16 points and 7 rebounds proved ineffective in overturning the Elephants. She added a game-high 9 steals.
Building their victory off turnovers (34 points), in the paint (42) and a highly prolific bench, who contributed 38 points, Cote d’Ivoire was never put to the test by Guinea.
Kadiatou Kaba, the only Guinean to score in double digits, finished 16 points and 7 rebounds. Her teammate Mawa Soumah contributed four points and ten rebounds.
Cote d’Ivoire’s well-organized defense, led by Adjoa William’s four blocks, kept the game under control. They finished the third quarter with an 18-6 run, before adding an 18-8 series in the final stanza.
Cote d’Ivoire and Mali will meet on Saturday, before their final Group Phase game against Angola, slated for Tuesday.
FIBA