Morocco U18 vs Mali U18

Mali seized control from the opening tip. A 14-0 run in the first quarter — the biggest scoring run of the match — put Morocco on the back foot immediately. The defending champions led 18-11 after Q1 and doubled down in the second, matching that 18-11 margin to take a 36-22 advantage into half-time.

Morocco showed more resistance in the third quarter, matching Mali 14-14, but could not close the gap below 14 points. Mali pulled away again in the fourth, outscoring Morocco 16-9 to seal the 21-point victory.

The game featured zero lead changes and zero ties. Mali led for 39 minutes and 49 seconds of the 40-minute contest; Morocco never held the lead.

The game was effectively decided before the first quarter ended. Mali's 14-0 unanswered run — a statement blitz from the defending champions — built a double-digit lead inside 10 minutes that Morocco never threatened. Morocco's shooting struggles from deep (13.6% from three-point range) made a comeback impossible once the deficit reached 14.

Abdoul Karim Diallo (Mali U18) — The game's highest-rated player with an efficiency score of 35. Diallo was the driving force behind Mali's dominance on both ends, contributing across the box score. He earns Player of the Match honours.

Noah Mohamed Ali El Baze (Morocco U18) — The lone bright spot for Morocco, posting an efficiency rating of 27. El Baze carried Morocco's offence but received insufficient support as no other Moroccan player matched his output.

Mali's collective rebounding and interior defence proved the difference: they shot 42.9% on two-point attempts compared to Morocco's 37.8%, and despite a modest 12% from three-point range (to Morocco's 13.6%), their paint dominance was decisive.

Mali's 66-45 win looks comfortable, and the numbers confirm it was. The 29% to 33% field-goal split understates Mali's superiority inside the arc (42.9% vs 37.8% on two-pointers), where they did their damage. Both teams shot poorly from three (12% and 13.6%), but Mali attempted fewer long-range shots, staying disciplined in their half-court offence.

The free-throw line tells a revealing story: Morocco hit 66.7% of their free throws to Mali's 52.9%, but Mali got to the line more often — a product of their aggressive paint attacks. Mali's biggest lead reached 21 points, mirroring the final margin.

The 200 fans in attendance at the Palais des Sports de Treichville saw a team that knows how to win this tournament: control the paint, limit turnovers in transition, and never let the opponent breathe.

Mali U18 opened their Group B campaign with a statement win, beginning the defence of their FIBA U18 AfroBasket title. The defending champions showed exactly why they entered the tournament as the team to beat.

Morocco U18 started their tournament with a tough assignment against the champions and will need to regroup quickly to keep their knockout-round hopes alive.

Mali's next fixture was against Gabon U18 on 7 August 2026. Morocco faced Madagascar U18 in their subsequent group-stage match.

A businesslike performance from Mali U18, who never needed to hit top gear. The 14-0 run in the first quarter was the match, and from there the defending champions managed the game with controlled aggression. Morocco lacked the firepower to mount a serious challenge, but El Baze's individual performance offered a foundation to build around.

• Competition: FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 — Group Phase (Group B)
• Date: 5 August 2026
• Venue: Palais des Sports de Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
• Attendance: 200
• Referees: Dorothy Judy Okatch (BOT), Didier Shema Nshuti (RWA), Moustafa Salem (EGY)
• Technical Delegate: Aboulaye Kamagate (CIV)