Mali coach Dicko calls World Cup window level too low

Mali coach Alhadji Dicko has criticised the overall standard of play during the fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, saying teams relied too heavily on individual performances. His assessment comes as Mali sit fourth in Group F, behind Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Angola, while remaining above Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mali’s campaign ended with a 97-71 defeat by Senegal on the final day of the window. Senegal lead the group, while Mali’s position leaves them behind three teams in the qualification standings after the latest round of games.

Dicko linked the limited collective play to the early stage of the season, when teams have had less time to build cohesion. He expects the quality of basketball and team coordination to improve as the qualifiers continue.

The coach also highlighted the strength of youth development in West Africa. He pointed to Senegal and Mali’s record in the younger age categories, while describing Côte d’Ivoire as part of the same progression. The next qualifying window is scheduled for February 2027, when Mali are set to face Senegal again.