LUANDA (Angola) - Mali's historic run at the 2025 AfroBasket tournament continues after their exhilarating win in the quarterfinals.
They beat Côte d'Ivoire 102-96 in overtime to advance to the semifinals at Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda on Wednesday.
Game-highs of 35 points and 16 rebounds from Aliou Diarra and 24 points from Mahamane Coulibaly helped Mali advance to the semifinals for the first time since 1999.
Immediately following the thrilling game, Côte d'Ivoire captain Solo Diabaté acknowledged that Aliou Diarra had dashed Côte d'Ivoire's hopes of winning their first AfroBasket title in 40 years.
The Ivorians were led in scoring by Matt Costello with 21 points. Solo Diabate (16 points), Lionel Kouadio (12 points), and Vafessa Fofana (11 points) also scored in double figures.
Mali was winless in the 2021 tournament, so this victory over their rivals will be that much sweeter.
This report is being updated.
FIBA