Mali crowned nonuplet champions at U18 Women’s AfroBasket

When asked what’s better than being the nation with the most titles at the Afrobasket, Mali’s U18 women’s team responded extending that domination!

On Saturday, the Malians walked the talk, clinching their ninth FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket title, setting a new continental record. In a thrilling final, the Malians faced a resilient Nigerian team that had fought hard against all the odds to reach this stage ,ultimately securing a decisive 76-56 victory.

The Nigerians started the first quarter on a bang, taking an early 5-0 lead which they conserved for 4 minutes, extending it to 7-2 as the defending champions struggled to find their rhythm. With a gorgeous 3-point jump shot, Koumare closed the gap, bringing Mali within two points at 7-5, and Dabo's layup leveled the score. Koumare then decided to make the first quarter about her, driving into the paint to score two layups in quick succession, giving Mali the lead at 11-7. Haminatu Ayodeji's free throw reduced the deficit to three by the end of the first quarter. The first quarter quite tactical and low on scoring ended 11-8 in favor of the Malians.

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In the second quarter, the game’s intensity grew with Patience John helping Nigeria narrow the gap to one point. However, Koumare continued the second quarter in fine fettle, responded with 9 points in the second quarter to suffocate all Nigerian efforts. Despite a Nigerian rally to close the gap to 24-20, Mali led 29-23 at halftime.

The back-and-forth continued in the third quarter, with Koumare pushing Mali to a 36-28 lead. Nigeria called a timeout, but Mali extended their lead to 11 points with a 24-19 performance in the quarter.

The final quarter saw a complete collapse from the Nigerian defense, granting Berthe and Koumare great avenues to each hit a three-pointer, widening Mali's domination to 59-42. The three-point barrage continued with Mama Sidiki Doumbia and Koumare contributing more long-range shots. Despite a late push from Beggi who a key cog for Nigeria in the semis and Patience John who reduced the score to 66-49 with 3:39 remaining, Nigeria could not mount a comeback.

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Although Nigeria's bench outscored Mali's24-12 with Nigeria outrebounding Mali 47-44, Mali's overall performance reaffirmed their dominance and solidified their reputation as the team to beat in U18 Women's AfroBasket.

Oummou Koumare was the standout performer, scoring an impressive 31 points and playing a crucial role in Mali's win with Rokiatou Berthe contributing 14 points, while Oumou Dabo added 10 points to help Mali cruise to a 76-56 win and a ninth continental title.

Koumare was named the competition's Most Valuable Player and was joined in the All-Star team by teammate Mama Sidiki Doumbia, Nigeria's star Idubamo Beggi, Damaris Emedie of Cameroon and Resty Nanangwe of Uganda.

 [Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]

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