PRETORIA (South Africa) - Oummou Koumare played a crucial role in helping Mali win the FIBA U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024 in Pretoria, South Africa, and, as a result, the 17-year-old forward was named the competition's Most Valuable Player.
Mali closed their U18 Women's AfroBasket 2024 campaign with flawless 6-0. This marks sees the record hold winners extend their continental winning streak to a 16-1, dating back to the 2020 edition of the tournament when they lost the final to hosts Egypt 68-63 in Cairo.
Koumare was joined in the All-Star line-up by teammate Mama Sidiki Doumbia, Nigeria's Idubamo Beggi, Damaris Emedie of Cameroon and Resty Nanangwe of Uganda.
Here's a look at the All-Star's impactful display:
Oummou Koumare - MALI
Hear lowest production happened in Mali's 51-43 win over Angola in their first game of the tournament, but it was her 31 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists in the title game against Nigeria that stamped her MVP credentials.
Besides her MVP award, Koumare bagged the awards for the leading scorer award and best three-point shooter. She averaged 22.5 points 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.
Mama Sidiki Doumbia - MALI
The 17-year-old was crucial for Mali throughout the tournament. She was a point and a rebound shy of a double-double in the most important of the Championship.
Her overall performance saw her averaging 14 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3 assists per game.
Idubamo Beggi - NIGERIA
it was a joy watching Beggi run Nigeria's offense plays. And her team-high 14 points in the final against Mali may have not enough to spark the J-D'Tigresses to title, but her contribution of 18 points and 5 assists per game speak volumes of her impact to the team.
Damaris Emedie
Whoever the future holds for Cameroon women's basketball, Emedie's names has to be associated with it. The 17-year-old finished as the only one to register double-double figures in every game (6). In addition to All-Star recognition, the 1.92m (6ft 3in) center won the best rebounder award. She averaged 18.3 points, 17.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.
Resty Nanangwe
Uganda may have fallen short of a podium finish, but they certainly won a future star.
The Uganda's journey can't be told without a mention to Nanangwe. She was phenomenal, finishing as the tournament's second leading scorer with 20 points per game. Nanangwe 8.3 rebounds, 2 assists
Other awards
Besides the All-Star team and MVP award, FIBA Africa attributed the following award: Fair Play: Tunisia.
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