Mali, the African vice-champion, pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the Women’s Basketball World Cup by defeating Spain, the reigning European vice-champion, 82-73 in Berlin on Saturday. This marks Mali’s first-ever victory in the group stage of a World Cup and only the second win in their history in the competition.
The Malian team bounced back after a narrow five-point loss to Japan (102-97) in their tournament opener on Friday. Against Spain, they maintained a high tempo, particularly in transition, before finding their rhythm from long range. After hitting only one of nine three-pointers in the first half, they converted six of seven in the third quarter to take control of the game.
Sika Koné was the standout performer for Mali. The Atlanta forward scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, recording her fifth consecutive double-double in the World Cup, an unprecedented streak in the history of the competition. She now has six career double-doubles in the tournament.
This victory puts Mali back in contention in Group A, where all four teams now have one win and one loss. Spain had previously dominated Germany (83-53) on the first day, while Germany later defeated Japan (74-58).
Meanwhile, the other African team competing in Berlin, reigning African champion Nigeria, remains winless after two days. The Nigerians were first beaten by South Korea (99-81) before narrowly losing to Hungary (71-67). With two losses, Nigeria sits at the bottom of Group B, behind France, South Korea, and Hungary.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-06 16:08:47 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/le-mali-signe-un-exploit-historique-face-a-lespagne-lors-de-la-deuxieme-journee-de-la-coupe-du-monde-feminine-de-basketball/