JCA Kings beat Stade Malien 80-66 to take Group A in the Elite16 West Division. Mohamed Keita had 21 points (knocking down five triples) as the hosts secured their place in the semi-finals with a victory over Nadi Basket Staoueli.
Last Updated on
November 13, 2026
Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan was rocking with traditional and cultural drum and djabara sounds, synchronised clapping and, at times, screams.
Jeunesse Club d’Abidjan and Stade Malien went head-to-head for the top spot in Group A of the Elite 16 – West Division. JCA Kings took the spoils with an 80-66 win, thanks to a monstrous long-range display from Mohamed Keita.
Stade Malien started strongly, taking a 12-4 lead early in the game, with significant contributions from Jerry Ngopot, Rolly Fula, and Abdul Karim Coulibaly. The home town favourites quickly regained momentum with effective shooting from Aboubakr Gbane, Mohamed Keita, and Mohamed Konate. This advantage continued into the second quarter, and the Kings led 44-29 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Stade Malien used a 3-2 zone with Makan Keita, Damaria Franklin, and Kelvin Amayo at the top, briefly limiting JCA’s wing shooting. The Malian team narrowed the gap to 6 points (51-45), but Mohammed Keita continued his strong performance and led the Ivorian side.
The fourth quarter was more about managing the game for JCA Kings, who top the group and will play Algeria-based club Nadi Basket Staoueli in Saturday’s semifinal.
Keita shot 5-for-7 from behind the arc and finished with a game-high 21 points. Trevon Duval did a little bit of everything and had a near triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Abubakr Gbane (10 points) contributed in double digits.
Fula (19 points), Franklin (15 points), Coulibaly (14 points, 13 rebounds), and Amayo (10 points) all scored in double figures for Stade Malien, who will play Al Ittihad in the semifinal.
