Supporters from both Angola and Mali packed the 12,700-capacity Kilamba Arena in Luanda on Sunday to witness Angola reclaim their long-awaited AfroBasket crown.
The Angolan side dominated Mali with a resounding 70–43 victory, clinching the AfroBasket championship for the first time since their triumph in 2013.
Although it wasn’t their sharpest outing of the tournament, the Angolans controlled the game from the opening whistle to the final buzzer.
By the third quarter, Angola had built a margin of over 20 points, prompting the home crowd to rise as one and set off a Mexican wave. At that stage, Mali’s chances of a comeback had completely slipped away.
Childe Dudao spearheaded the champions’ attack with 16 points, drawing chants of “MVP” from the crowd late in the fourth quarter. Selton Miguel also shone for Angola, contributing 12 points to finish as the second double-digit scorer.
For Mali, Siriman Kanoute and Aliou Diarra tried to keep their side afloat, recording 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Angola wrapped up their 2025 AfroBasket run with an unbeaten 6-0 record, while Mali, reaching the final for the very first time, ended their campaign at 4-3.
Mali’s tally of just 43 points stands as the lowest score registered in an AfroBasket contest over the past 30 years.
