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FIBA Africa Zone 2 Weekly Review: 26/03/2025

In this FIBA Africa Zone 2 Weekly Review, we're travelling to Cape Verde, where a Senegalese coach is aiming for a clean sweep in the championship, before landing in Mali where the Tournoi de l'Amitié tipped off, and we land in Senegal where BAL and Wave signed a partenership deal. Read more below.

Published on

March 26, 2025

Last Updated on

March 26, 2025

FIBA Africa Zone 2 Weekly Review: 26/03/2025

CAPE VERDE

Ibrahim Aidara aims for the title with AD Predio

AD Predio, led by Senegalese coach Ibrahim Aidara, put in an outstanding performance in the first leg of the league, winning all their matches. With nine wins in as many games, the team showed impressive consistency and strength, establishing their place at the top of the table. Ibrahim Aidara's clear objective now is to lead his team to the 2025 championship title, an ambitious challenge that he seems determined to meet with the same resolve and strategy that have ensured their success to date.

MALI

Stade Malien and AS Police top the table after matchday 7

Matchday 7 of the Orange 2024-2025 national championship confirmed the existing hierarchy, with Stade Malien dominating the women's competition and AS Police winning the men's.

In the women's competition, Stade Malien retained their lead, followed by USFAS and Djolija. The team from Bamako is showing impressive consistency and look set to play a leading role this season.

In the men's competition, AS Police sit at the top of the provisional standings, closely followed by Stade Malien and CRBT. The battle for top spot promises to be intense over the coming weeks, with teams ready to fight for the lead.

Kalahari Conference: Stade Malien strengthens its squad

Landing Sané

Ahead of the Kalahari Conference of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), Stade Malien are hitting the transfer market hard. The Malian club, which is aiming to qualify for the finals once again, has welcomed a number of key reinforcements.

Among them is Mohamed Doumbya, the Senegalese MVP renowned for his impact with Urunani and UGB, who will bring his versatility and dominance in the paint. The club has also acquired the services of Landing Sané, an experienced center who has played for Monaco, Levallois and Orléans, adding a touch of experience and attacking power. Finally, Ivorian center Wilfried Enan rounds out the squad, adding further depth.

With these recruits, Stade Malien are clearly showing their ambitions: to shine in the Kalahari Conference and secure a place in the BAL Playoffs.

Tournoi de l'Amitié: Mali off to a flying start

Mali saw off Guinea in their second game

The Salamatou Maïga hall in Bamako is hosting the Amitié Tournament for U16 girls and boys. The competition brings together four nations: Mali, the host country, as well as Guinea, Algeria and Côte d'Ivoire.

Initial results confirm Mali's dominance in both categories. In the boys' category, Mali's senior team beat Algeria by a wide margin (69-44) before going on to beat Guinea (67-40). On the girls' side, the scenario has been similar: Mali outclassed Côte d'Ivoire (65-35) before inflicting a severe 75-20 defeat on Guinea.

SENEGAL

BAL and Wave sign partnership agreement

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and Wave, the leader in mobile money in Africa, are joining forces to enrich the fan experience and make basketball more accessible in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire.

Ahead of the Sahara Conference (26 April - 4 May in Dakar), a 5vs5 streetball tournament will bring together eight men's teams in Dakar from 22 March to early May. Wave will be offering fans rewards, gifts and exclusive discounts on tickets via its app.

In Côte d'Ivoire, BAL and Wave will inaugurate a renovated pitch in Abidjan in September, followed by a training camp for young talent. One Wave user will win an all-expenses-paid trip to the BAL 2025 finals in Pretoria on 14 June.

AS Ville de Dakar in top form ahead of BAL campaign

AS Ville de Dakar, Senegal's future representatives in season 5 of the Basketball Africa League (BAL), continue to dominate the national scene. On matchday 10, the Dakar-based team notched up its ninth victory, beating IS Rail de Thiès 73-59.  

The win confirms ASVD's rise to prominence, and the team is looking forward to the forthcoming continental campaign with confidence. With a dynamic squad, the Senegalese club intends to play a major role in the Sahara Conference, where it will defend the country's colours against the best African teams.

Yacine Diop shines with Yavola VIP

Yacine Diop

Yacine Diop, Senegal's captain, is flourishing in the Turkish league with her team Yavola VIP. In fine form, she continues to put in solid performances at every outing.

In her last game, the Senegalese international scored 22 points, grabbed five rebounds and scored a +2 rating. Her impact on the game and her consistency confirm her key role within her team.

With just a few months to go before the next internationals, her fine form is good news for Senegal, who will be able to count on a leader brimming with confidence.

Diallo firing on all cylinders

Cheick Bamba Diallo is also making a name for himself in Angola with his club Interclube, notably in the capital derby against Petro de Luanda. The Senegalese international put in a top-class performance, scoring 31 points and grabbing five rebounds. His offensive contribution and activity on the court underline his importance to his team. Faced with one of the league's top teams, he was able to show his full potential. With performances of this calibre, Cheick Bamba Diallo continues to grow in stature and establish himself as one of the players to watch this season.

Photography/Imagery : Courtesy of BasketSenegal, Mali Basketball Federation Facebook page, Basket221, APO Group, AS Ville de Dakar Facebook page

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