Reigning champions Mali outclass Zambia in one-sided Group B clash

If the match had to be summed up in one word, it would be one-sided. The Zambians were never able to trouble the reigning champions, who for their part had a field day, scoring the biggest margin of victory of the competition so far.

Mali dominated every area of the game, making it hard for Zambia to get going. With 73 rebounds, 32 assists, 39 steals and 9 blocks, Oummou Koumare and her team-mates extinguished Zambia's ambitions early on.

Koumare finished the game with 24 points to her name, while Oumou Dabo (20 points, 10 rebounds) recorded the only double-double of the match. Maimouna Traore also stood out with 14 points and 10 steals, testifying to the Malians' effectiveness in the defensive sector.

They also succeeded in preventing Cholwe Simubali, Zambia's most prominent player, from developing her game. After scoring 22 points against Morocco, she had to make do with just two against Mali.

‘I'm proud of myself. But I'm also proud of my team-mates, because they're the ones who passed me the balls. It was the team game that came out on top,’ said Oumou Dabo, adding "The challenge was to score as many points as possible. For the next few games, I think we need to stay focused,’ she added.

Mali made their presence felt from tipoff, taking a 34-point lead at the end of the first quarter (38-4).In the second, the African champions continued to build momentum, going on a31-2 run, before slowing slightly in the third (29-6).

But it was in the fourth quarter that they really locked up their defensive sector, conceding just a single point as they ran riot in front of their opponents' baskets, scoring 38 points.

For his part, coach Diakite Sory explains that their aim is to defend the title they won in 2022.

"First of all, I must congratulate the players, who followed the instructions to the letter.  The objective for us is to retain our title."

With this second victory, Mali consolidate their position at the top of Group B, ahead of Morocco and Angola, who can still qualify for the next round.

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[Photography / Imagery Courtesy of FIBA]

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