Mali Flex Their Championship Muscles with Commanding Win Over Côte d’Ivoire

Reigning champions Mali once again proved why they remain the dominant force in African women’s basketball, recording their second straight win of the tournament after brushing aside Côte d’Ivoire 65–38 on Saturday. The result not only extended Mali’s unbeaten start to 2–0 but also reinforced their status as the frontrunners in their quest for a ninth consecutive continental crown.

The early stages of the contest, however, told a different story. Côte d’Ivoire, buoyed by its underdog status, refused to be intimidated and battled toe-to-toe with the champions in the opening quarter. Their energy and defensive commitment paid off as they kept Mali in check, closing the first 10 minutes level at 11–11. For a brief moment, it appeared the Ivorians might unsettle the titleholders.

But champions rarely stay contained for long. In the second quarter, Mali began to find their rhythm, tightening their defense and accelerating their offense. Their improved ball movement created better scoring opportunities, and they slowly built momentum. By halftime, the Eagles had opened up a nine-point advantage at 31–22, sending a clear reminder of their pedigree.

The real separation came after the break. Mali emerged from the locker room with renewed intensity, overwhelming Côte d’Ivoire with a blistering third-quarter surge. A decisive 25–12 run not only extended the gap but effectively ended any hopes of an Ivorian comeback. With the scoreboard reading 56–34 heading into the final period, the outcome was all but sealed. The champions managed the closing minutes with composure, rounding off the encounter on a 9–4 run to secure a commanding 27-point victory.

Statistically, the match painted a picture of Mali’s superiority, even if their execution was not flawless. Fouls were an issue for both sides, with Mali committing 26 and Côte d’Ivoire slightly more at 29. Yet across the board, the Eagles held a decisive edge.

They won the rebounding battle 66–61, imposed defensive pressure that forced 47 Ivorian turnovers compared to their own 28, and delivered a remarkable 29 steals — more than double their opponents’ tally of 12. Their bench also played a pivotal role, chipping in with 21 points to ease the scoring load on the starters.

Individually, Awa Keita was the star of the show. The talented guard poured in 24 points and grabbed six rebounds, showcasing her ability to combine scoring efficiency with hustle on the boards. Mariya Diawara provided valuable support, finishing with 19 points, three rebounds, and two assists, giving Mali the one-two punch they needed to break the game open.

For Côte d’Ivoire, the struggle on offense was evident. Only one player, Layla Diarisso, managed to hit double figures, registering 12 points alongside seven rebounds. Despite her effort, the lack of consistent scoring options left the Ivorians chasing shadows for most of the second half.

With two wins already secured, Mali’s campaign is firmly on track. Their performance underlined the qualities that have kept them at the top for nearly a decade: relentless defense, depth across the roster, and the ability to shift gears when it matters most. Still, the number of fouls and occasional lapses in execution suggest there is room for refinement. As the knockout stages draw closer, Mali will be determined to polish those edges while continuing to assert their dominance.

Once again, the champions sent a message to the rest of the field: the road to the title still runs through Mali.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]