“This Team Deserves Serious Attention”: Fans Erupt as Mali Stuns Powerhouse Spain in First Major World Cup Upset
As the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup progresses, Team Mali has grabbed attention with its relentlessness over the last two games. After losing to Japan in a close 102-97 encounter on Friday, the African team made a dominant comeback and pounded Spain the next day, 82-73, the first major upset of the tournament. And fans have doused the team in praise on social media.
Djeneba N’Diaye and Sika Kone have created a solid one-two punch for the team, as they led Mali to a win against Spain, both contributing 19 points. Meanwhile, Rokia Doumbia facilitated the offense with nine assists.
This was also Mali’s second win in the tournament ever and the first one since 2010. Fans were impressed with the team’s efforts and reacted on X, as one wrote:
“Mali’s performance against Japan yesterday told me everything I needed to know. Even in defeat, they showed they weren’t there to make up numbers. They were there to compete. Now they’ve beaten Spain. This team deserves serious attention.”
Meanwhile, other fans also expressed their feelings on the historic rise of Team Mali.
The 2010 FIBA World Cup was the first time Team Mali qualified for the tournament, but it lost to Spain by a big margin, 80-36.
Defeating Spain would surely have been a big moment for the team and a full-circle moment, as the Spanish team is one of the most difficult opponents to beat.
Sika Kone explains what Team Mali’s win means for the team
Team Mali forward Sika Kone has contributed double-doubles in both games, but her 19 points and 10 rebounds against Spain would have meant more for her and the team. Not only did they win, but Kone and Co. also avenged their 2010 defeat.
Kone said after the win, via FIBA:
“I mean, it’s everything to us. To be able to win against Spain is everything. I mean, we are not surprised because we all are professional players. So, we just have to continue to believe in what Coach told us and stay with that.”
Mali will now face Germany on Monday, looking to add another milestone to their storied journey.
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