Defending Champions, Mali, delivered an authoritative performance at the U18 AfroBasket opening day, overpowering Morocco 66-45 in a relentless display of dominant basketball. At the heart of this victory was Abdoul Karim Diallo, whose standout individual play dictated the tempo and left the Moroccans searching for answers. He recorded 21 points, 17 rebounds, six blocks and three steals. The decisive win firmly establishes Mali's title defense as the standard to beat in the tournament.
Last Updated on
August 7, 2026
The plan for Mali was straightforward, pass the ball in the paint and put Morocco under pressure. Abdoul Diallo drew a foul and converted both his free throws to open the scoring. Mali's defensive effort proved too much for Morocco as they got steal after steal and forced a few fast breaks.
Mohamed Keita had a fast break lay up then he followed this up with a deep three-pointer. This prompted a Moroccan timeout as they were down 7-0. However, this timeout did nothing to stop the Malian armada as they went on another 7-0 run, dominating the rebounds. Just like that, they were up 14-0. Abdoul Diallo and Mohamed Keita responsible for all 14 points. Some of which were three-point shots and emphatic dunks.
Sofiane Rezouk put Morocco on the score board after a six-minute drought when he converted both his free throws. This prompted a 5-0 run for Morocco with a three-pointer from Mo Zoubir. Despite their slow start, Morocco, through some impressive shooting by Zoubir and El Baze, managed to claw their way back in this game. The quarter ended at 18-11 in favour of Mali.
Mali went back to what worked for them, pass the ball inside to Abdoul Diallo and he did not disappoint with back-to-back field goals. Morocco was determined to not this lead slip - they matched the Malians on every attempt. They upped the ante defensively and forced Mali into turnovers.
After a dry spell, Mahamadou Sylla broke the deadlock with a jump shot. The frustration was visible from the Moroccan head coach Mustapha Chiba, as his team squandered numerous opportunities to cut the lead. This prompted a timeout during which he made three changes. However, Mahamadou Sylla still managed to dominate the paint and score anothe lay up. Noah El Baze continued to will his side when he matched that effort with a lay up after securing an offensive rebound.
Youssef Belgada followed this up with a jump shot. Morocco was slowly clawing back. Noah El Baze proved to be a handful in the paint when he drew yet another foul but split the pair on the line. Mali closed out the quarter with a turnaround jump shot from Diallo and fast break lay up by N'Dji Coulibaly. This gave Morocco a 36-22 lead at the half.
Morocco started the third quarter with more vigor. Mehdi Barrada scored on a fast break before Noah El Baze followed up with a lay up. However, like clockwork, Mali went to Abdoul Diallo who drew a foul and split the pair. Then after a three-minute scoreless run, Boubacar Traore broke the deadlock with a lay up for Mali to take them up by 11 points. Noah El Baze continued to wreak havoc on the Malians with another lay up.
There was nothing to separate these two sides in the third quarter as they matched each other and went blow for blow some good paint touches. Then Sekou Bagayako erupted the arena with a deep three-pointer. Morocco continued to attack the paint and draw foul after foul while converting the free throws. However, Noah El Baze drained a three to show his versatility. Mali closed the quarter at 50-36 but knew that Morocco would throw everything at them in the fourth quarter.
Mali started the fourth with a highlight when Mamadou Sissoko stole the ball then took of for a fast break dunk. Morocco matched this effort with a lay up from Mohamed Madar before Sofiane Rezouk scored a pull up jump shot. Mamadou Sissoko replied immediately with a three-pointer before Sekou Bagayako scored a fast break lay up.
Morocco then went on a 4-0 run after their timeout. However, this run proved more beneficial for Mali who put on a great defensive display as they limited Morocco to only one point for the last five minutes of the game. N,Dji Coulibaly closed the game off with a personal 5-0 run to stamp their authority on this game. Mali secured a convincing 66-45 win.
Morocco's Noah El Baze who played in the 2024 edition, showed his experience with 16 points, 13 rebounds and five steals. Though it was not enough to get them past the defending champions, it is comforting for the Moroccans to know they have a reliable player. The night belonged to Mali's Abdoul Diallo whose performance was key for this astounding victory. He recorded 21 points, 17 rebounds, a whopping six blocks, three steals and a staggering efficiency of 35.
[Photos and Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]
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