Both teams came into this game with much to prove and a much needed win after a winless opening night in Dakar. However, the AfroBasket runners-up came into this encounter firing in all cylinders behind the expert leadership of Siriman Kanoute. Mali were able to take control early in the game to secure a dominant 101-76 victory ans revive their hopes in the process.
Last Updated on
August 30, 2026
Congo got off to a hot start after four quick points from Damian Baugh and Jonathan Kasibabu. This was the kind of start they needed for an encounter of this magnitude. However, Mali matched them instantly with four quick points from Mahamane Coulibaly and Fousseyni Drame. This showed how determined these two sides were. However, that’s not where the show would end for Damian Baugh. He then put on a shooting clinic with back-to-back three-pointers to give the Leopards a quick 10-4 lead.
Mali was still hot on their trail as they also scored five quick points courtesy of Aliou Diarra lay up and Fousseyni Drame three. Mali took their first lead of the game when Allaye Togo went two for two on the free throw line. However, Damian Baugh was a man on a mission when he completed a perfect and-one play. Thereafter, Mali took the lead and did not look back. Ibrahima Haidara’s three was the shot that secured Mali their end of quarter lead. This came after a dominant paint performance from Mali that put Congo in foul trouble. Mali enjoyed a 26-19 lead at the end of the first quarter. Des put this, their only objective was how to stop Damian Baugh who erupted for 13 points in the first quarter.
It was Congo’s Achilles heel-turnover-that disrupted their start as Adama Sanogo stole the ball and took off for an easy fast break. Damian Baugh had an immediate response when he drew the foul and converted both his free throws. After a dry spell, Congo scored four quick points to bring the game to within three points. This prompted a Malian timeout. However, Congo had other plans in mind as Shekinah Munanga tied the game with a three-pointer that found the bottom of the net. Mali’s lay up was not enough to stop this Congolese run as Munanga scored another three-pointer before Elijah Lufile split his pair at the line.
Congo held onto a narrow but meaningful lead that was taken away when Mali went on a 10-0 run to establish a lead they will not relinquish. This run was prompted by Hassan Drame’s three-pointer and capped off by Fousseyni Drame’s perfect trip to the line. Flo Thamba interrupted this run with a lay up under the rim. However, Siriman Kanoute took over the game when he scored the last six points for Mali. First with a three-pointer then when he made three free throws after drawing a foul on a three-point attempt. Mali was now clear in the lead with the score at 48-36 at the half. They had also managed to successfully stop Damian Baugh who caused them many problems in the first quarter.
The third quarter is often the quarter where a team either rises to the top or succumbs to the opposition. In this case, Congo did the latter after a slow quarter plagued with turnovers and squandered opportunities. Mali started the quarter with an 8-2 run. During this run, Mali had two dunks and a fast break lay up. Following a much needed timeout, Damian Baugh slammed the brakes on this Malian run with a fast break three-pointer. Aliou Diarra then went on a 5-0, solo run. This prompted another timeout by Coach Douet. This time one paid dividends as Congo returned with back-to-back three pointers by Kasibabu and Munanga.
Despite this, Mali remained calm and made on-court adjustments. They increased their defensive intensity and went on an 8-0 run. Ballo had a fast break dunk, then Kanoute had a free throw followed up by a three-pointer. This took Mali up by 20 points. Mali did not stop there. After much dominance in the paint, they turned to their snipers who delivered on the assignment when Allaye Togo and Mamadou Keita each scored a three-pointer to close out the quarter and take them up 79-51 at the end of the third quarter.
With the game seemingly out of their hands, the Leopards threw everything they had at the Malians. First, with a 4-0 run. Then prompting a Malian timeout after much defensive effort and pressure. Then with a continued paint presence that sent them to the free throw line early in the quarter. Mali also played the same game as Congo when they drew two fouls and converted all four free throw attempts. The Congolese side celebrated their captain, Rolly Fula’s three-pointer after a Franck Nywmbo assist. Patrick Mwamva then showed how valuable he was with multiple contributions on the offensive end as he recorded seven points in the final quarter.
With Mali clearly ahead and in the driver’s seat, the fans were waiting for just one thing, for the Lions to break the 100-point mark. It was none other than Ibrahima Haidara who stepped up to ensure this feat was reached with a lay up. In à last ditched effort, Noe Cuma drained the three-pointer that would close out the game at 101-76. The sun has set on the Congolese side and their hopes to qualify for the World Cup. Despite this, Coach Douet will be happy with the future of his side. As for Mali, they remain in contention and are able to qualify. Coach Dicko managed his players well as they prepare for another battle tomorrow.
[Photography and Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
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