AFCON 2025
Mali made history on Saturday by advancing to the AfroBasket Final for the first time, defeating Senegal 88-80 in a tense semifinal at the Pavilhão Multiusos de Luanda.
Mahamane Coulibaly was the hero for Mali with 23 points, while Oumar Ballo added 19 and Siriman Kanoute contributed 15 points and eight assists. Their combined efforts gave the Eagles a landmark victory over a Senegal side that had beaten them earlier in the group stage.
Senegal fought hard through Jean Jacques Boissy (19 points), Brancou Badio (15), and Moustapha Diop (14), but they could not match Mali’s energy and accuracy from deep.
Mali’s three-point shooting, especially a run sparked by Coulibaly and Aliou Diarra in the second quarter, proved decisive as they pulled away to a double-digit lead. Despite Diarra’s foul trouble limiting his minutes, Mali never lost control of the game.
Senegal had moments of momentum, including a strong start from Ibrahima Faye, but every push was met with a response from Mali. Coulibaly’s dominance inside and Haidara’s timely three-pointer in the third quarter helped seal the victory.
In the day’s other semifinal, Angola edged Cameroon 74-73 to return to the AfroBasket Final for the first time since 2015. Selton Miguel led the Angolans with 17 points off the bench, while Cameroon’s Yves Missi set a tournament record with seven blocks.
However, crucial turnovers in the final minutes cost Cameroon a place in the final. Sunday’s final will see Angola face Mali in a battle for the continental crown, while Cameroon and Senegal will contest third place.
