Centre de Référence de Basketball de Tombouctou (CRBT) battled past AS Douanes Burkina Faso 63–54 in a gritty Road to BAL 2026 opener. Behind Binaly Toure’s dominance and tough defence, the Malian hosts showed heart, composure, and intent to qualify for the Elite 16 in Tombouctou.
Last Updated on
October 17, 2025
The Malian crowd roared with pride as Centre de Référence de Basketball de Tombouctou (CRBT) clawed its way to a gritty 63–54 victory over the Burkina Faso-based ASD in a tense Road to BAL 2026 opening clash.
It wasn’t the prettiest of wins, but it was a statement. CRBT showed resilience, defensive discipline, and homegrown grit to overcome a sluggish start and secure a vital triumph that keeps their qualification hopes alive.
The visitors from Burkina Faso came ready for battle. Behind Koin Traoré’s explosive 12-point effort and steady contributions from Alexandre Tahita and Wendeketa Ouagraour (8 points apiece), ASD stunned the home crowd early, taking the first quarter 17–14.
ASD’s quick ball movement and transition offence caused early headaches for CRBT coach Moctar Habib, whose team struggled to contain Traoré’s penetration and midrange accuracy.
But Habib’s in-game adjustments turned the tide.
We started badly, maybe due to the pressure. I took a time-out to tell my players to push and play without pressure, and after that it was easy for us. We have to work on our three-point shooting, and we hope it will be better against Al Ahly.
The response came fast. CRBT locked in defensively, tightened their rebounding, and began dictating tempo. They dominated the second quarter 17–9, flipping the momentum with physical defence and patient offence. By halftime, Tombouctou’s fans were back on their feet, and the home side was back in control.
Once the Malian engine got going, Binaly Toure became the heartbeat of the team. The forward delivered a near double-double with 12 points, nine rebounds, and two assists, setting the tone inside with relentless energy and tough finishing.
Alongside him, S. Fall matched Toure’s 12 points while adding two rebounds and an assist, forming a dynamic one-two punch that kept ASD’s defence scrambling. Together, they embodied CRBT’s balanced offence, no flash, just grit and execution.
CRBT’s methodical pace in the third quarter (which they won 14–12) allowed them to maintain control, using strong ball movement and defensive rotations to frustrate the Burkinabe. Even when ASD tried to push back in the final period, the Malians never lost composure, closing out the game 18–16 in the fourth.
For ASD, the loss stung especially after their impressive start. But Coach Kogdoub Yameogo kept perspective, citing fatigue as a key factor.
We started well in the first quarter, but my players were tired,
he admitted.
We’re going to rest and hope we play better tomorrow.
Despite the defeat, ASD’s energy, teamwork, and early execution offered glimpses of potential. If they can sustain their intensity for four quarters, they’ll remain dangerous opponents in the qualifiers.
For CRBT, this wasn’t just another group-stage victory; it was a test of heart. Down early, pushed by a determined opponent, they regrouped and delivered when it mattered most.
The 63–54 win reinforces CRBT’s growing identity as a team that thrives on adversity, a squad built on defensive grit, team chemistry, and unwavering belief.
As the Road to BAL 2026 continues, Tombouctou’s finest have sent a clear message to the rest of the continent: in Mali, you have to fight for every point.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA/Road to BAL]
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