With a 1-2 record, Mali faces a tough final window against Morocco, South Sudan, and DR Congo. Despite youth success, they struggle at AfroBasket. Can they turn things around and secure their ticket to Angola?
Last Updated on
February 16, 2025
The big question on the minds of many Malian basketball fans is: Can their national team, Mali, clinch its 21st appearance at the FIBA AfroBasket? Uncertainty still looms, and for good reason: during the second qualifying window in November, the Mali Eagles displayed mixed performances, alternating between flashes of brilliance and moments of doubt. This team has the potential to deliver outstanding performances, but it is also capable of serious setbacks—an inconsistency that could jeopardize its continental ambitions.
They displayed the good, the bad, and the worst in the opening qualifying window. The good? What they did against Morocco. The Malians demonstrated resilience and fighting spirit in a highly intense and suspenseful matchup. After a tightly contested duel, they secured a crucial victory (66-64) at the Dakar Arena, sitting third in Group A. This performance proves that Mali can compete with tough opponents and make a difference in critical moments.
The worst? Their matchup against the Bright Stars of South Sudan, the no.1 ranked team in Africa. The Eagles suffered a heavy 15-point defeat (80-65), a setback that exposed the weaknesses of Alhadji Dicko’s squad. A porous defense, lack of tactical discipline, and struggles to adapt to the opponent’s pace—these are all issues that demand serious restructuring before the upcoming fixtures. Without a swift reaction and collective awareness, their ticket to Angola could slip away.
But how can the team reinvent itself? Where should they start? The answer lies in one word: potential. Indeed, this Malian squad is brimming with talent, and it is up to them to fully exploit their strengths.
First, experience. Captain Ibrahim Djambo remains one of the team’s leaders, averaging 13 points per game. His role is crucial, both offensively and in mentoring younger players. Alongside him, promising players like Siriman Kanouté, who averages 11.3 points per game, bring an exciting dynamic. But that’s not all. The presence of Drame twins, Fousseyni and Hassan, from a brilliant generation that won silver at the U19 Basketball World Cup, injects fresh energy and significant development potential for the future.
The next thing is interior presence, a crucial sector where Mali can stand out, thanks to Aliou Diarra. The Malian center boasts impressive stats: 11.3 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist per game. His dominance in the paint will be decisive in the remaining qualifiers, especially against African teams that often feature powerful post players.
Finally comes coaching experience. Alhadji Dicko is no stranger to African basketball. He was the mastermind behind Mali’s historic silver medal run in 2019, proving his ability to get the best out of his players. However, the pressure is mounting: can he fully utilize the talent to lead this generation to new success?
If Mali wants to secure qualification for AfroBasket 2025, several key challenges must be addressed. First, consistency in performance comes first. The team can no longer afford to fluctuate between inspiring victories and worrying defeats. They must find balance and stability to approach each game confidently and firmly.
Defensive efficiency is the next issue that should be addressed. In their recent outings, the Eagles have displayed weaknesses on the defensive end, conceding points too quickly. Tactical adjustments are necessary to strengthen collective cohesion and minimize costly mistakes. Defense is often the key factor in high-level tournaments, and Mali must prioritize this aspect to compete with the continent’s best teams.
Finally, managing clutch moments. During qualifiers, every possession counts, and the ability to handle pressure in the final minutes of a game will be crucial. The game against Morocco showed that Mali can fight until the end, but this fighting spirit must remain consistent. So far, some key players have yet to meet expectations. The upcoming games will be decisive, and every player must step up. Without that, the dream of AfroBasket 2025 could remain out of reach.
[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]
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