BENGHAZI (Afrobasket 2009) - Group-B runners-up Mali Sunday at the Suleiman Al-Darat Sports Hall in Benghazi reduce Cote d’Ivoire chances of a quarter-final berth with a 71-58 point’s victory.

The Malien who looked more determined for the big task ahead in the 25th FIBA Africa Championship round-of-eight picked the first three quarters 17-14, 14-10 and 20-14 and tied the last quarter with the Ivories scoring 20 points apiece.

2006 FIBA Africa Championship for Men U-18 most valuable player, Waly Coulibaly have indeed grown in experience as he led his teammates with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steal, the duo of Nouha Diakite and Sambou Traore added 12 and 11 points respectively with captain of the side Amara Sy grabbing 14 rebounds to raise the bar over the Ivoire.

Mali play group-A leader, Nigeria on Monday in a classy duel while Cote d’Ivoire will have its hands full as it confront defending champion, Angola.

FIBA Africa