For the first time in a decade, Mali has advanced to the AfroBasket quarterfinals. In Luanda, the team’s balanced performance and resilience carried them past Guinea in a thrilling showdown that went right down to the wire.
Last Updated on
August 19, 2025
Mali entered the game under pressure after a shaky group stage in which they won only one of three outings. But on Monday night in Angola, they delivered, edging Guinea 70–67 to secure a spot in the Last Eight. The clash was tightly contested throughout, with both sides exchanging the lead multiple times, but Mali’s composure in the decisive moments sealed the win.
Aliou Diarra proved pivotal, recording a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. His dominance inside not only provided scoring but also disrupted Guinea’s offensive flow. His powerful dunk in the final minute gave Mali the lead they held onto, a moment that swung momentum firmly in their favor.
Captain Ibrahim Haidara added stability with 14 points on efficient shooting. His ability to create in half-court sets kept Mali’s offense ticking, especially when Guinea ramped up defensive pressure. Haidara’s leadership was key in keeping the team composed when Guinea threatened to take control.
Mahamane Coulibaly and Oumar Ballo chipped in 10 points apiece. Ballo’s defensive presence limited Guinea’s second chances, even though he missed late free throws. Those attempts still helped drain crucial seconds. Coulibaly, meanwhile, brought energy in transition and stretched Guinea’s defense with his mid-range game.
Siriman Kanoute stepped up in crunch time. After grabbing a rebound off a missed Guinea layup, he drew a foul and calmly sank free throws to give Mali breathing room. His steady ball-handling in tense possessions ensured Mali avoided costly mistakes.
Guinea, however, fought valiantly. Alpha Diallo delivered a brilliant performance, scoring 31 points and almost single-handedly keeping his team in the contest. His relentless attacking forced Mali to adjust defensively all night. Yet Guinea’s lack of consistent secondary scoring proved costly.
The absence of Souleymane Boum Jr.—sidelined by injury after shining earlier in the tournament—left Guinea short of options. Without him, they struggled to find rhythm in crunch time, with four turnovers in the last six minutes derailing their comeback attempts.
The stats showed just how close the game was. Mali’s bench contributed 21 points, a vital boost given the starters’ heavy minutes. They also capitalized on Guinea’s mistakes with 12 fast-break points. Meanwhile, Guinea shot just 20 of 70 from the field, placing too heavy a burden on Diallo.
The game felt like a tug-of-war, with nine lead changes and no clear gap between the teams. Guinea entered the fourth quarter ahead 55–53, but Mali’s resilience shone through. They answered every challenge and held firm when it mattered.
For Mali, this win means more than just advancing—it marks their first AfroBasket quarterfinal appearance since 2015, reviving belief in a program often overshadowed by continental giants. Next up is a tough clash with Côte d’Ivoire, but the confidence gained from surviving Guinea could prove vital.
Guinea’s campaign, though ending in heartbreak, revealed both promise and limitations. Diallo’s heroics will be remembered, but the lack of depth and late-game execution cost them dearly. Still, their competitiveness suggests a strong foundation for the future.
As the buzzer sounded in Luanda, emotions contrasted sharply—Mali celebrated a milestone forged through composure and teamwork, while Guinea walked away knowing they had pushed their rivals to the limit but faltered at the critical moments.
[Photography/Imagery : Courtesy of FIBA]
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