Mali’s women scored a landmark 82-73 victory over Spain at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin on Saturday, becoming the first African nation to defeat the European runners-up since Egypt 76 years ago in 1950. Mali had opened their campaign with a loss to Japan before bouncing back against a Spain side they had trailed by more than 40 points in a recent friendly.
The result keeps alive Mali’s hope of reaching the next stage. They face Germany on Monday in their third and final group game. Fellow African representatives Nigeria take on France on the same day.
Sixteen teams are contesting the world championship in the German capital, with the title-holder United States defending their crown. Mali and Nigeria are the two African sides in the women’s tournament.
