Angola Crowned AfroBasket Champions with 12th Title After Dominant Win Over Mali

Angola Crowned AfroBasket Champions with 12th Title After Dominant Win Over Mali

By Niyi Busari 

Hosts Angola reaffirmed their dominance in African basketball by clinching a record-extending 12th FIBA AfroBasket title with a commanding 70-43 victory over Mali in Sunday’s final in Luanda, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Angolans, who had edged Cameroon in the semifinals, delivered a complete performance against Mali, who themselves had advanced by defeating Senegal.

Angola set the tone early, edging the first quarter 14-10 before pulling away with an 18-10 second-quarter run that gave them a 32-20 halftime lead. The hosts tightened their grip in the third quarter, outscoring Mali 19-11 to establish a 19-point cushion heading into the final period.

Although Mali attempted to rally, Angola remained composed, sealing the contest with another strong finish to record a 27-point triumph.

Childe Dundao was the standout performer for Angola, posting 16 points and five assists, while Selton Miguel added 12 points and Eduardo Francisco chipped in with nine.

Earlier in the day, Senegal defeated Mali to claim the bronze medal.

The victory marks Angola’s return to the summit of African basketball, ending Tunisia’s recent dominance, which had seen them lift the AfroBasket crown in 2017 and 2021.