The recent Inter-league phase of Mali's national basketball championship concluded on September 30, with four teams securing their spots in the top division. The competition, held at the National Institute of Youth and Sports (INJS) from September 20-30, saw regional teams compete for promotion. A total of 10 days of intense competition culminated in the identification of the top teams. The tournament featured both men's and women's categories, with teams battling for the coveted spots in the elite division.
In the women's category, Koulikoro's Centre Mamoutou Kané (CMK) dominated the competition with a perfect record, winning all seven matches and boasting a remarkable +236 point difference. They accumulated 14 points, securing their spot in the top division. CMK will be joined by Ségou's Centre Ladji Daby Camara (CLDC), which finished second with six wins and one loss, earning 13 points. The team's impressive performance validated their promotion to the elite division.
The men's category was marked by intense competition, with three teams – Association sportive Ousmane N'Diaye (ASON) from Ségou, Centre Bintou Dembélé (CBD) from Koulikoro, and Sigui from Kayes – finishing with identical records of six wins and one loss, each earning 13 points. The teams' direct confrontations were used to determine the rankings, with ASON defeating Sigui 78-74, Sigui beating CBD 76-73, and CBD edging ASON 61-58.
To break the tie, the teams' point differences in direct confrontations were considered, with ASON emerging as the champion due to a +1 point difference. Consequently, ASON and CBD secured their spots in the top division, while Sigui, despite their impressive performance, finished just short and will have to wait at least a year to compete in the elite division.
The conclusion of the Inter-league championship marks an important milestone in Mali's basketball season. The promoted teams will join the top division for the upcoming season, increasing competition and excitement. The championship's outcome reflects the country's growing basketball talent and the efforts of teams to excel at the national level.
In other sports news, the 8th ordinary congress of the Association of Malian Sports Journalists (AJSM) took place recently in Bamako, with Oumar Baba Traoré being re-elected as president. Additionally, the assembly general of the Malian Federation of Equestrian Sports and Hippism (FMHSE) resulted in a tie between the incumbent president Mohamed Haïdara and challenger Sékou Djigué, each receiving six votes.
The sports scene in Mali continues to be vibrant, with various events and competitions taking place. The Supercoupe Ben Oumar Sy, a major football competition, saw Djoliba AC emerge victorious, defeating FC Diarra 1-0. Furthermore, a friendly match between Mali and Morocco ended in a 1-1 draw, showcasing the skills of both teams.
Key points
- Four teams earned promotion to Mali's top basketball division through the Inter-league championship.
- Centre Mamoutou Kané (CMK) and Centre Ladji Daby Camara (CLDC) secured spots in the women's top division.
- Association sportive Ousmane N'Diaye (ASON) and Centre Bintou Dembélé (CBD) earned promotion in the men's category.
