(ABIDJAN) – Mali booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament with a commanding 75 to 49 victory over Cameroon in their final Group B match on Monday evening. The win follows a narrow two point opening day triumph over South Sudan and confirms Mali’s position at the top of the group.
Cameroon, who finished sixth in the 2023 tournament, were expected to pose a stiff challenge, but Mali dominated from the outset, showing sharp improvements from their earlier shaky performance against debutants South Sudan. The win sets up Mali as strong contenders heading into the knockout rounds.
Mali started the game with a 6 to 0 run and quickly took control. By the end of the first quarter, they were ahead 18 to 9. Their defence remained consistent throughout, neutralising Cameroon’s key playmaker Jessica Thomas, who was limited to just seven points in the first half.
The standout player of the match was Sika Kone, who had struggled against South Sudan but returned to top form against Cameroon. She scored 15 points, secured 16 rebounds, and added two assists, finishing with a game efficiency rating of 27. Ten of her rebounds were on the defensive end, reflecting Mali’s control of the game under the basket.
Although Cameroon briefly closed the gap to 8 to 6 in the first quarter thanks to baskets from Joelly Belleka and Carine Silatsa, they were never able to overturn the deficit. Mali’s performance remained consistent, steadily widening the margin throughout the game until the final 26-point difference.
The two sides last met at the 2021 edition of the tournament in Cameroon, where Mali edged the hosts 52 to 51 in a tense semi-final. Monday’s game had less drama, with Mali dominating possession, rebounding and scoring efficiency throughout.
Here is a brief comparison of the team performance:
| Key Match Stats | Mali | Cameroon |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 75 | 49 |
| Rebounds (Total) | 48 | 31 |
| Points by Sika Kone | 15 | – |
| Kone’s Rebounds | 16 | – |
| Opening Quarter Score | 18 | 9 |
Following the win, Mali’s guard Rokia Doumbia spoke of the team’s focus and unity, saying: “We had to redeem ourselves. Tonight, we came out focused and showed everyone, especially our fans, what we are made of.”
She added that Mali were taking the tournament one game at a time, aiming to go further than their bronze finishes in 2021 and 2023.
Cameroon’s Joelly Belleka acknowledged the quality of Mali’s side and the physical nature of the contest. She admitted that the pace of the match had caught them off guard and said her first AfroBasket experience was nonetheless a valuable step in her basketball career.
Mali will now rest ahead of their quarterfinal clash scheduled for Thursday, 31 July. Cameroon will return to the court on Wednesday in the Round of 16, where they will have to fight for a place among the final eight teams.
For South Sudanese fans and followers of the tournament, Mali’s dramatic improvement from their close 55 to 53 win against South Sudan on opening day could serve as a benchmark for what the new team must prepare for as they continue their own AfroBasket journey.
South Sudan, who face Egypt in a playoff for a quarterfinal spot, remain in contention and could potentially face some of the same opponents if they progress.
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