BOITUMELO RANTAO
MALI’S U18 men’s national team won their second straight Federation International Basketball (FIBA) U18 African championship title after edging Senegal 82 – 80 in their finals matchup in Cairo, Egypt.
The young Malian team were defeated by their Senegalese adversaries earlier in the week, but rose up to take the title with a last minute dynamic style. Both teams have booked their place in the 2021 U19 World Cup. Mali were helped by their young star Bourama Coulibaly, who was named tournament MVP, for his standout performances throughout the week.
The Women’s championship ran concurrently with the men’s tournament with Egypt finishing 68 – 63 victors over a strong Malian squad.