Mali’s Eagles grabbed their first Group D win at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket, powering past Uganda’s Silverbacks 85-70 on Thursday afternoon in Luanda, Angola.
Both sides came in searching for redemption after opening defeats Mali against Egypt and Uganda against Senegal but Mali flew out of the blocks.
Mahamane Coulibaly scored a game-high 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting, while Aliou Diarra posted a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double as the Eagles stormed to a 25-8 first-quarter lead. Missing injured big man Jacksen Moni, the Silverbacks struggled to match Mali’s physicality early on.
Uganda fought back in the second quarter with a 14-0 run sparked by Deng John Geu’s nine-point burst, cutting the gap to 35-27 before Mali regrouped to lead 43-31 at halftime.
The Silverbacks closed to within four points in the third quarter, but Mali responded with an 8-0 surge and never looked back, taking a 61-51 lead into the final period.
Top Performers:
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Mali: Mahamane Coulibaly (25 points), Aliou Diarra (12 points, 10 rebounds), Ibrahima Diarra (2/3 from deep, 3/4 FT).
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Uganda: Deng John Geu (27 points), Robinson Opong (19 points).
The result keeps Mali’s campaign alive ahead of a high-stakes showdown with Senegal on Saturday. Uganda face Egypt tomorrow in a must-win clash.
