Mali wrote a new chapter in its history in Luanda. In a thrilling quarterfinal, which ended after overtime, the Eagles beat Côte d'Ivoire (102-96) to reach the AfroBasket semi-finals for the first time since 1999.

At the heart of this battle, Aliou Faidala Diarra shines brightly: 35 points and 16 rebounds, a double-double that turns the match. Well supported by Mahamane Coulibaly (24 points), he allows his team to overcome a 15-point deficit (57-42) in the third quarter before imposing his pace in overtime.

On the other side, Côte d'Ivoire is counting on its captain and team spirit, Solo Diabaté, who is always exemplary in his effort and fighting spirit. The veteran scores 16 points and tries to keep the Elephants in the race, supported by Matt Costello (21 points) and Lionel Kouadio (12). But the Malian team, transcended by its leader, ends up having the last word.

“Representing Mali remains an honor”

After the meeting, Aliou Diarra expressed his immense pride to Seneweb :

"We really needed this match. Mali–Ivory Coast is always a derby. We knew that and we had all the tools to win. Fortunately, we did it."

He also reflects on his team's away success after the break:

"It worked in our favor. We've been working hard on our three-pointers. We suffered in the first game, but this time they fell."

For Diarra, the emotion goes beyond the statistics:

“I’ve been playing for Mali since I was 16. It’s always an honor to represent my country. FIBA ranked us 11th, and now we’re in the top four. Things like that really motivate us.”

Make way for the West African derby

With two days to recover before facing Senegal, physical fitness will be key. "It's crucial. It's our fourth or fifth match, I don't even remember exactly. We have to rest, but also keep working," he emphasizes.

Finally, he praised the overall quality of the tournament: "The level is very high. That's what we're showing. In this African Cup, there are professionals from all over the world. The competition has real depth."

Mali, led by a Aliou Diarra in a state of grace, now dreams of creating a surprise against the Lions of Teranga, in a new derby which promises to be hot.