Mali U18 W vs Egypt U18 W

Mali's 8-0 run in the fourth quarter turned a tight contest decisively in their favour. After trailing 42-41 entering the final period, Mali found another gear defensively, forcing Egypt into difficult looks. Egypt shot just 44.8% from the free-throw line for the game — a critical weakness that cost them dearly in a five-point loss. Mali, by contrast, converted 60.6% of their free throws, capitalising on trips to the line during the crucial closing stages.

Suzane Fatoumata Dembele (Mali) — Registered a game-high efficiency rating of 19. The forward was the focal point of Mali's offence and a consistent presence on both ends.

Hania Hassabelnaby (Egypt) — Led Egypt with an efficiency rating of 15. The guard kept Egypt in the game with her scoring and playmaking, particularly in the first half.

Mali's supporting cast — While Dembele took top billing, multiple Mali players contributed in double figures, a hallmark of their depth throughout the tournament.

Egypt's frontcourt — Despite the loss, Egypt won the battle inside, shooting 44.4% on two-point attempts compared to Mali's 34.3%, but could not overcome their free-throw struggles.

Player of the match: Suzane Fatoumata Dembele (Mali).

Mali won despite shooting just 26% from the field overall (34.3% on twos, 17.7% on threes) — well below their tournament averages. Their saving grace was the free-throw line (60.6%) and a crushing 8-0 run in Q4 that flipped the game's momentum.

Egypt held the edge in field-goal percentage (34% to 26%) and two-point shooting (44.4% to 34.3%), but 44.8% free-throw shooting cost them in a contest decided by five points. The 10 lead changes and 5 ties reflected how evenly matched the sides were for three quarters — Mali's 27:41 of game time leading versus Egypt's 8:27 underscores how Mali controlled the clock when it mattered most.

Mali — the nine-time champions and defending titleholders — completed the group phase undefeated, with the 62-57 win over Egypt their toughest test. Egypt, who had opened Group B with a dominant 89-36 win over Morocco, demonstrated they could go toe-to-toe with the tournament favourites.

Both teams advanced to the knockout rounds. Mali would go on to reach the final (their seventh consecutive final appearance since 2014) after beating Egypt again in the semi-finals 57-55. Egypt regrouped to claim third place with a 60-52 win over hosts Côte d'Ivoire. Mali and Nigeria also secured qualification for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup.

A classic group-phase clash between African youth basketball's two powerhouses. Egypt matched Mali for three quarters and had chances to win, but Mali's composure from the free-throw line and that decisive fourth-quarter run proved the difference. The five-point margin was exactly what a 10-lead-change, 5-tie contest deserved — anyone's game until Mali seized it.