Mali hosted Ivory Coast in the World Cup on 27 August 2026, losing 77-83. The hosts started the tournament with a heavy defeat against Angola, which sets the tone for their struggles. It was a difficult start for the home side.
To be fair, the visitors had their own issues, having lost to Mali in their last meeting. That game ended 102-96 in favour of the hosts, but the dynamic changed today. The visitors needed to prove they could win away.
The rebounding battle told the story, with Ivory Coast grabbing 48 boards to Mali's 38. Mali tried to keep up with aggressive offensive rebounding, but they could not secure the loose balls consistently. This lack of possession hurt them in the final quarter.
By then, the shooting numbers showed a different picture. Ivory Coast hit ten three-pointers while Mali managed only seven, despite taking more shots overall. The visitors found a way back into it after a slow start. They capitalized on the turnovers that Mali committed.
And here's the thing, the free throws favoured the hosts, who made 14 compared to Ivory Coast's 21. It was a narrow margin that decided the outcome. The visitors dug in when it mattered most.
The visitors won their second meeting with Mali, while the hosts face a tough road ahead. They now sit in a better position in the group standings after the win. The result shifts the momentum for both sides.
