Mali Ends AfroBasket Qualifiers Strong, Outclasses Morocco 80-66 to Finish with a Balanced Record

Mali Ends AfroBasket Qualifiers Strong, Outclasses Morocco 80-66 to Finish with a Balanced Record

Mali made sure to end their AfroBasket Qualifiers campaign on a winning note, beating Morocco 80-66 to finish the competition on a 3-3 ratio.

Mali had already qualified, heading to the final match, while Morocco were chasing a consolation win, one that was never to come as the West Africans raced to a quick 14-2 start to leave the opponent chasing the game from the get go.

Labib El Hamrani's side went 20-18 ahead in the second quarter to trail by a paltry four points as the teams went on their halftime break. Morocco kept pushing, Yassine El Mahsini's floating jumper, bringing them to within a point at 55-54. Samba Balayera, however, went on an eight-point solo run to pull Mali away heading to the fourth period.

"We are super happy to be in this position. We worked hard to prove to Africa what Mali is about. It is a country of basketball and we did what we came here for. Every one will go back and work hard to be ready for the AfroBasket," Ibrahim Djambo said after the victory.

Coming into the match already qualified, Djambo says coach Alhadji Dicko had insisted on the importance of taking a victory against the Group A hosts. "He prepared us mentally before the game, putting us in line and that helped us bring our best in this game," he offered.

Siriman Kanoute and Aliou Diarra led the charge for Mali, scoring 23 and 20 respectively as the latter completed a double-double with 10 rebounds while the former came within an assist for a double-double.

"We were clearly not ready for this type of competition. The AfroBasket is really strong, players have higher IQ's and we were not prepared for this level of basketball. We need a lot of changes and everyone has to hold themselves for this. It's six defeats in six matches. I am disappointed but there is future if we understand that basketball is evolving and move with the times," Kevin Franceschi offered after Morocco's defeat.

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[Photography Courtesy of FIBA]