Mali shocks Spain in a Women’s Basketball World Cup stunner

Mali stunned Spain in a dramatic Women's Basketball World Cup match, defeating the favored team 82-73. This marked the first time in tournament history that an African country had triumphed over Spain. Mali rebounded from a halftime deficit to overpower Spain, taking a 31-19 lead in the third quarter. Sika Kone, an Atlanta Dream player, led the charge with 19 points and two three-pointers.

Despite trailing early, Mali executed a crucial 16-4 run to seize control. Djeneba N'Diaye contributed 19 points to Mali's total, while Germany defeated Japan 74-58 in the opening match of the tournament. Germany's Leonie Fiebich and Frieda Buhner each scored 19 points, helping Germany secure their first World Cup victory since 1998.

Hungary also claimed its first win in 28 years, defeating Nigeria 71-67. Hungary's Dorka Juhasz led the way with 19 points and 16 rebounds, sealing the victory with clutch free throws. France repurposed a sluggish start to overpower South Korea 95-69, with Marine Johannes scoring 17 points in the first half.