2019 FIBA AfroCan Host Mali has clinched its maiden win in the ongoing competition thanks to a hard fought win over Algeria.
Mali topped Algeria 70-68 to win its first game in the Championship created for African based players. However, each of the 12 participating nations has two spots allocated to foreign based players.
One of the foreign based players, Ibrahim Djambo, stole the spotlight as he registered 16 points, seven rebounds and an assist in 28 minutes.
Two other Mali players scored in double digits as the host nation prepares to take on Ivory Coast later tonight in its second appearance.
Algeria beat Ivory Coast in its first game and looked poised to clinch a second win until Abdellah Hamdini fouled out of the game. Hamdini had 17 points, two steals and six rebounds before exiting the contest.
In other games, Tunisia beat Guinea 77-58, Angola beat Chad 95-83 and Nigeria shockingly lost 63-81 to Kenya. Prior to the competition, Kenya lost 60-64 to Ghana club side Braves of Customs.
By Yaw Adjei-Mintah
@YawMintYM on Twitter
