Mali are firmly back on track in the hunt for a slot at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after beating Czechia on Thursday.
Led by an all-around display from forward Maimouna Haidara, Mali defeated Czechia, 77-64, at Wuhan Sports Centre.
While Czechia led 6-4 early in the opening quarter, the West Africans shortly seized control of the game with a 7-0 run, closing out the period leading 22-17 and built a double-digit lead in the second quarter.
Haidara put on a show, going 9-of-15 from the field to stuff the stat sheet with a game-high 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Elisabeth Dabou came in handy with an efficient 14 points to go with 7 rebounds.
While the big shooting guard Alima Dembele struggled from the field, she earned ten trips to the line and netted 9. She contributed 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Point guard Rokia Doumbia contributed 11 points and handed out 5 assists, while star forward Sika Kone cleaned the glass as she pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds despite having a quiet offensive game.
Petra Holesinska led Czechia with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Emma Cechova (14 points), Julia Reisingerova (10) and Eliska Hamzova (10) also scored in double figures for Czechia.
South Sudan suffers second defeat
In the other game of the group involving an African team, South Sudan suffered their second defeat despite an improved performance. The Bright Stars lost to Bazil, 94-79, and they are all but out of contetion.
South Sudan had a 6-4 start, but Brazil went on a quick 7-3 run sparked by star center Kamilla Cardoso, who finished with 23 points and a game-high 17 rebounds, and never looked back. Damiris Dantas (25) and Alana Goncalo (15) also scoredin double figures for Brazil.
Nyamer Diew (19), Adut Bulgak (17), Sarah Deng (15) and Perina Leime (11) scored in double digits for South Sudan.