On August 23, 2025, in Luanda, Mali defeated Senegal 88-80 in the semifinals of the AfroBasket men’s tournament. Despite constant physical dominance, the lack of effectiveness, illustrated by the statistics, has cost the Senegalese dearly.
Mali defeated Senegal in the semifinals of the AfroBasket men’s tournament on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Kilamba Arena in Luanda, winning 88-80. The Eagles of Mali took their revenge on Senegal, erasing the defeat suffered in the group stage (80-70). From the start, the Malians imposed a sustained pace and dominated relentlessly, preventing any Senegalese return. With a strong defense and effective offense, they controlled the game from start to finish. Mahamane Coulibaly (23 points) and Siriman Kanouté (19 points) were the main architects of this victory.
It’s an analysis that I truly call logical. » We entered the competition timidly. We corrected the errors, one by one. Senegal, who we dominated in the previous match, is the last time I congratulate my players on a loss. We lost the game two minutes in, and I said that’s the last time I congratulate the players despite the loss, because I saw a lot of things in this game, and I told them it’s only a matter of time. Game by game, we have corrected our mistakes, we will improve what needs to be improved. Today, you saw the match of Senegal, it was played from start to finish, and since we had a slight lead, we did everything to maintain that lead. We didn’t fall into the same mistake as last time.
Alhadji Dicko , Coach – Mali
Although Senegal imposed its physical power and dominated the court (63.2% two-point success, 46 points scored in the paint), their offensive efficiency did not always produce good results. His defeat can be attributed to a lack of long-range effectiveness, missed free throws, and poor ball and pace management.
This is a big blow for Mali. » We are going to write Mali into history, so that we can go as far as we can, we are blessed. I’m really happy to have won today. But the work is not over, there is still one match left, the final, which we must win.
Oumar Diallo, Center – Mali
Senegal had a six-game winning streak against Mali, but that ended in the semifinals. Thanks to aggressive defense and quick transition play, Mali was able to reverse the momentum. Senegalese leaders Brancou Badio, Jean Jacques Boissy, and Moustapha Diop, who were decisive in the group stage, were neutralized this time by a determined Malian defense.
