Mali stunned spectators by defeating Senegal 88-80 in the semifinals of Afrobasket 2025 on Saturday in Luanda, setting up a historic clash against Angola in the final.
The Eagles of Mali overcame an early disadvantage, overturning their opening-stage defeat to Senegal (70-80) with a display of collective resilience and standout individual performances.
Mahamane Coulibaly led the charge with 23 points, supported by Oumar Ballo’s 19 points and Siriman Kanouté, who contributed 15 points and eight assists.
Senegal, despite strong showings from Jean Jacques Boissy (19 points) and Brancou Badio (15 points), struggled to contain Mali’s energy, particularly after Aliou Diarra was forced out early due to fouls. Mali’s efficient three-point shooting, disciplined defence, 28 defensive rebounds, and 11 steals proved decisive in the victory.
In the other semifinal, Angola narrowly edged past Cameroon 74-73, securing their place in the final. Angola will be chasing their 12th AfroBasket title on Sunday, 24 August, a chance to cement their reputation as Africa’s most successful basketball nation. With eleven titles already, Angola seeks to extend its lead over Senegal, second on the all-time list with five championships, and to claim its first trophy since 2013.
Mali, meanwhile, is competing in its first-ever AfroBasket final and dreams of capturing its first major continental title. Senegal and Cameroon will meet in the third-place match, promising another intense encounter as both sides seek to end the tournament on a high note.
Afrobasket 2025, held from 12 to 24 August in Angola, brought together the continent’s top sixteen teams, showcasing Africa’s growing talent and competitiveness in basketball. Mali’s breakthrough performance highlights the emergence of new challengers on the African basketball stage, while Angola’s consistent strength underscores the enduring dominance of established powerhouses.
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