Senegal closed Window 4 of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup African Qualifiers with a 97-71 victory over Mali at the Dakar Arena, reclaiming top spot in Group F. The result, combined with a Côte d'Ivoire defeat, leaves the Lions top of the standings with one window remaining.
A controlled first half ended 46-30 in Senegal's favour. The third quarter opened with a 5-0 Senegalese run, and Mali closed back within 12 points with four minutes left in the period after forcing three straight turnovers from Mouhamadou Gueye, who responded with a three to push the score to 54-38. The Lions steadied, with Jean-Jacques Boissy opening his account before Senegal took the third quarter 23-20 for a 69-50 lead.
Boissy struck three times from beyond the arc in the final quarter as Senegal pulled away. Debutant Amadou Wade of AS Douanes added seven points to stretch the lead to 25 at 92-67 with two minutes left. Senegal saw the game out 97-71 despite unsportsmanlike fouls on Brancou Badio and Atoumane Diagne.
The win offered revenge after Mali eliminated Senegal in the last AfroBasket semi-final. The final window runs 22 February to 2 March 2027, when Senegal face Egypt, Angola and Mali, chasing one of the five African tickets to the World Cup in Doha.
