Mali's Assetou Sissoko clinches U18 Africa Women's MVP trophy

MAPUTO (FIBA U18 Women’s African Championship 2018) – Assetou Sissoko was crowned as the FIBA U18 Women’s African Championship MVP, and teammate Aminata Sangare was nominated in the tournament All-Star Five.

Sissoko, who has netted 132 points throughout all the tournament, first congratulated her team, even if she claimed the individual trophy.

"Since we came together, we made sure to act like a team. That means to win like a team," reckoned the player.

Things became clear that she would clinch a place in the All-Star Five as she recorded 22 points on an opening day, against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the final against Mozambique, she added 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists to her already impressive stats.

"It would not have been possible to achieve this feat without each and everyone around," added Sissoko, who said it was a surprise to hear her name announced as the MVP.

Now that the FIBA U18 Women’s African Championship are over, she is looking forward to next year and the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup.

"We have strived for it and we want to make sure we perform as well as we did here."

In addition to the MVP trophy, Sissoko also clinched the best tri-pointer award, with 42% of success, and the best scorer’s trophy.

Alongside her on the podium stood Mozambique’s Filipa Calisto, who watched the final from the bench, due to injury.

But she said she was happy to have achieved such a feat. "Mali was strong and we couldn’t shake them off. But we just qualified for the FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup and it makes us so proud," said Calisto , who is now waiting for recovery.

Mali’s Aminata Sangare, Angola’s Alexia Dos Santos Dizeko and Rwanda’s Bella Murekatete all appeared in the Top 5 list of the tournament.

Cape Verde homed the Fair play trophy.

FIBA