Mali stun Spain at Women's Basketball World Cup: Third-quarter surge and Sika Kone's night

On August 13, 2026, in Berlin, Mali defeated Spain 82-73 in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup group stage, producing one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history. It was only Mali's second World Cup win ever, against a Spanish team widely considered a title contender. Mali trailed by just two points at halftime, then exploded in the third quarter with a 31-19 run. After Spain took a 45-44 lead, Mali answered with a decisive 16-4 run. Sika Kone, who plays for the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA, hit two crucial three-pointers during that stretch and finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Djeneba N'Diaye also scored 19 points, giving Mali two reliable scoring options and making it difficult for Spain to focus on a single threat. Iyana Martin led Spain with 20 points, but her effort was not enough. The victory reshapes Group standings and highlights the growing potential of women's basketball in Africa. However, Mali's all-time World Cup record of 2-10 is a reminder that consistency remains a question. The next game will reveal whether this win is a genuine turning point or a one-time flash. In my years of watching this sport, I have learned not to make quick judgments — but also not to dismiss a historic achievement without deeper analysis.