Team Profile: Mali are headed to the AfroBasket Qualifiers, aiming to make it past new kids on the block of South Sudan, DR Congo, and Morocco, who were given a second chance. Can they give it their all in what are already do-or-die games and make it ahead of the February 2025 window?
Last Updated on
November 22, 2024
Mali remains a force to be reckoned with at the AfroBasket, a competition where ambitions are measured by determination and talent. After a disappointing 15th-place finish at the 2021 edition in Rwanda, the Eagles head to Dakar, Senegal, to maximise their chances before the decisive February 2025 window.
However, securing a 21st appearance at the AfroBasket will take much work. To do so, Mali will have to face three formidable opponents: the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Morocco.
The task is made all the more complex by the absence of Cartier Diarra, the starting point guard, who was replaced at the last minute by Sekou Ousmane Bagayoko. Despite this, the Eagles can count on a deep bench and players capable of shining at every level.
Headlining the line-up is former Mali prodigy Siriman Kanouté, who will be one of their key assets. Now just 23, the point guard from Aix-Maurienne Savoie in France's Pro B led his team to 2021 with an average of 14 points and three steals per game. Alongside him, Ibrahim Djambo, the experienced winger, showed his versatility with 13.3 points and 1.3 steals per game. These two figures will again be the driving force behind the Malian Eagles in this campaign.
The Malian team also benefits from some valuable reinforcements, notably Aliou Diarra, a mainstay of Stade Malien and a familiar face in the squad since the Pre-OQT for Paris 2024. Other talents such as Mahamadou Kanté, Mamadou Doucouré and Samba Balayera complete a balanced and dangerous team capable of changing the course of a match.
At the team's helm is the experienced Alhadji Dicko, well known for having led Mali to their first U19 World Cup finals in 2019, supported by the technical experts Boubacar Kanouté and Adama Koné—a strategic trio to guide the Eagles in a competition where there is no room for error.
Mali will start against the DRC, a familiar opponent that they defeated 87-82 at the 2017 AfroBasket.
Next up, the Bright Stars of South Sudan, whom they have never faced before, will stand in their way in what promises to be the group's highlight. Finally, the duel against Morocco will be an opportunity to redress the balance of their unfavourable record (3 defeats to 1 win in 4 matches).
Talented but unpredictable, Mali must be wary of their opponents, even those they know well. In a competition where every possession counts, the Eagles must combine discipline and creativity to achieve their goal of securing a place among Africa's elite.
Confirmed Roster: Mondesir Dade Haman, Sekou Ousmane Bagayoko, Mahamadou Kanté, Siriman Kanoute, Ibrahim Djambo, Fousseyni Drame, Hassan Drame, Tamandjan dit Youba Konate, Samba Balayera, Aliou Fadiala Diarra, Mamadou Dit Bamadi Doucouré, Mamoudou Diarra
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
