Mali ready to continue upward curve on global stage
BAMAKO (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - Mali have revealed a 17-player squad as they look to extend their rise to prominence on the global stage.
BAMAKO (FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017) - Mali have revealed a 17-player squad as they look to extend their rise to prominence on the global stage.
They will head to Udine and Cividale del Friuli next month with many of the players who made history last year at the FIBA U17 Women's World Championship in Spain.
| Mali 17-player squad for FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2017 | |||
| Adama Coulibaly | Aissetou Coulibaly | Gnere Alima Dembele | Aminata Diakite |
| Assetou Diakite | Kamba Yoro Diakite | Rokia Doumbia | Mariam Drame |
| Nafatoumata Haidara | Salimatou Kourouma | Safiatou Mariko | Djeneba Sangare |
| Assetou Sissoko | Foune Sissoko | Mariam Traore | Natacha Traore |
| Saran Traore | |||
They posted three wins for the first time at the event and now they will be looking to continue their tradition as the most competitive African team at U19 level too.
Leading the way will be Salimatou Kourouma who won rave reviews for her efforts in Zaragoza after registering a spectacular tournament double-double of more than 15 points and 10 rebounds per game.
Aissetou Coulibaly will also offer an offensive punch, while both Aminata Diakite and Adama Coulibaly bring experience from the previous FIBA U19 Women's World Championship in Russia two years ago.
Mali have been drawn in a tough-looking Group A with China, Italy and USA.
FIBA