AFCON 2025
Mali and Senegal both secured crucial wins on Monday night at the Pavilhao Multiusos de Luanda to advance to the quarterfinals of AfroBasket 2025.
Mali, who had struggled in the group stage with a 1-2 record, edged past Guinea 70-67 in a tense Classification Round clash. Aliou Diarra led the way with a decisive double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, while captain Ibrahim Haidara added 14 points. Mahamane Coulibaly and Oumar Ballo chipped in 10 points each to keep Mali’s offense balanced.
Guinea relied heavily on Alpha Diallo, who put up a game-high 31 points, but his efforts fell short against Mali’s collective team play. The decisive moment came in the final minute when Diarra threw down a dunk to give Mali a 68-67 lead. Though Ballo missed free throws that could have extended the advantage, Sory Kanoute’s hustle on the boards and clutch foul shots sealed the victory for the Eagles.
In the later game, Senegal booked their quarterfinal spot with a 78-65 win over South Sudan in a battle of the tallest sides on the continent. Brancou Badio powered the Lions of Teranga with 31 points, while Ibrahima Faye contributed 12 points and eight rebounds, and Jean Jacques Boissy added 10 points and seven boards.
South Sudan showed fight through Both Gach (14 points), captain Nuni Omot (13), and Majok Deng (10), but struggled to keep pace after Senegal’s decisive second-quarter run.
Coach DeSagana Diop’s substitutions paid off as Ibou Badji sparked a 12-0 surge, highlighted by alley-oop dunks from Ibrahima and Moustapha Faye. Senegal closed the first half with a 46-25 lead and never looked back.
With these wins, Mali and Senegal join the final eight, keeping their AfroBasket title hopes alive.
