Mali delivered a statement performance, storming back from their opening defeat to claim a crucial and commanding victory in the tournament. Fueled by grit, precision, and relentless energy, the West African side showcased why they remain a force to reckon with. The team’s resurgence was anchored by the brilliant Mahamane Coulibaly, the versatile Aliou Fadiala Diarra, and the ever-inventive Siriman Kanoute, whose combined efforts ignited Mali’s charge toward redemption.
From the opening whistle, Mali displayed sharper execution and superior court vision, seizing control of the game and never letting go. Coulibaly’s 25-point outburst set the tone, punishing defensive lapses with deadly accuracy, while Diarra imposed his presence in the paint with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Kanoute orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 10 assists to go with 7 points and 6 rebounds, ensuring Mali’s attack remained fluid and unpredictable.
The victory not only restores Mali’s confidence but also injects new life into their quarterfinal ambitions. With this win, they now turn their focus to a mouthwatering Saturday clash against Senegal , a matchup that promises to test their composure, consistency, and competitive edge. For Mali, the mission is clear: ride the wave of momentum and punch their ticket to the next round.
Elsewhere, Guinea-Bissau faces a steep uphill climb after another lackluster outing. Their next opponent, Egypt, is a powerhouse with a proven track record on this stage. For Guinea-Bissau, the equation is simple but daunting , produce their best performance yet or risk an early exit. Their resilience will be tested, and fans will be watching to see if they can summon an upset against the odds.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s John Deng Geu lit up the scoreboard with 27 points and 4 rebounds, supported by Robinson Opong’s 19 points and 4 rebounds. Jonathan Komagum battled fiercely under the rim, pulling down 13 rebounds to go with 5 assists. But the night belonged to Mali, whose thrilling comeback not only kept their dreams alive but also sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament: underestimate them at your own peril.
