The 2025-2026 edition of the Coupe du Mali de basket-ball concluded with Stade Malien emerging victorious in both the men's and women's categories. The men's team defeated Attar Club de Kidal 70-53, while the women's team edged out Djoliba AC 54-52 in a closely contested match. The finals were held at the Palais des Sports Salamatou Maïga, with Abdoul Kassim Ibrahim Fomba, the Minister of Youth and Sports, in attendance.
The women's final between Stade Malien and Djoliba AC was a nail-biter, with both teams displaying great skill and determination. The first quarter ended in a 13-13 tie, and the second quarter saw Stade Malien take a 4-point lead at halftime. However, Djoliba AC mounted a comeback in the third quarter, taking the lead with 10 minutes left to play. Stade Malien's captain, Hawa Kamissoko, played a crucial role, scoring 12 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and delivering 2 assists.
In contrast, the men's final was largely dominated by Stade Malien, who took an early lead and never looked back. They led 24-4 after the first quarter and 39-24 at halftime. Despite a spirited effort from Attar Club de Kidal, Stade Malien maintained their lead, winning 70-53. The team's impressive performance was praised by Minister Fomba, who described the match as "worthy of major television broadcasts."
Minister Fomba, accompanied by Jean-Claude Sidibé, President of the Malian Basketball Federation, expressed his admiration for the teams' performances. He highlighted the existence of a rich talent pool in Malian basketball and reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the development of the sport. The minister also announced that the two winning teams would each receive 4 million Fcfa, while the runners-up would receive 2 million Fcfa.
The Coupe du Mali de basket-ball is a premier basketball competition in Mali, and Stade Malien's double win is a significant achievement. The team's success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the support of their fans. The competition was closely followed by basketball enthusiasts across the country, with many praising the high level of play displayed by the teams.
The Malian Basketball Federation is set to hold its elective general assembly on December 30, which will likely discuss the future of basketball in the country. The federation's efforts to develop the sport are ongoing, with a focus on identifying and nurturing young talent. Stade Malien's victory is expected to inspire other teams and players to strive for excellence.
The conclusion of the Coupe du Mali de basket-ball marks the end of the 2025-2026 season, and attention is now turning to the upcoming season. With the elective general assembly approaching, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the federation plans to build on the success of this season and promote the growth of basketball in Mali.
Key points
- Stade Malien wins both men's and women's titles in the Coupe du Mali de basket-ball.
- Each winning team receives 4 million Fcfa in prize money.
- The Malian government reaffirms its commitment to supporting basketball development.
