Mali Shocks Spain in a Women’s Basketball World Cup Stunner
Sika Kone and Djeneba N'Diaye each scored 19 as Mali outscored Spain 31-19 in the third quarter and pulled away late.
- On Saturday, September 5, 2026, Mali defeated Spain 82-73 at the Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin, delivering the tournament's first major upset.
- Trailing 45-44 early in the third quarter, Mali launched a decisive 16-4 run and outscored Spain 31-19 in that period to seize control for good.
- Sika Kone, who plays for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA, recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds, while teammate Djeneba N'Diaye also scored 19 points for Mali.
- The win improves Mali's record to 1-1 and marks only the second World Cup victory in the African country's tournament history, following a 2010 win against Senegal.
- Despite 20 points from Iyana Martin, Spain now sits at 1-1; the unexpected defeat complicates the team's path as a previously top-ranked World Cup contender.
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77 Articles
Mali shocks Spain in Fiba Women's World Cup
BERLIN — Mali pulled off the first stunner of the Women’s Basketball World Cup by shocking Spain 82-73 on Saturday. It was only the second win ever in tournament history for the African country, which beat Senegal in overtime in 2010. Mali was down two at the half, but outscored Spain 31-19 in the third
The Bakersfield Californian
Mali shocks Spain in a Women's Basketball World Cup stunner; France, Hungary, Germany also win
BERLIN (AP) — Mali pulled off the first stunner of the Women's Basketball World Cup by shocking Spain 82-73 on Saturday.
Berlin will become the capital of women's basketball from 4 to 13 September. 16 nations are fighting for the 2026 World Cup title at the Spree. Can the German team make a surprise at the home tournament?
Beat by Japan for their entry into the competition, the Malians made a huge feat by bringing down Spain (82-73), one of the nations running for the podium. Their first success in the hens phases of a World Championship in their history.
The Mali women's basketball team earned its second victory in history at the World Championship in Berlin, defeating four-time European champion Spain.
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