The blows were exchanged between Salimatou Kourouma and Kamite Elisabeth Dabou during a post-match interview with Serbia’s media outlet
By Folayemi Oladimeji
Two members of Mali’s basketball team fought each other on Monday, September 26, following their latest loss in the women’s World Cup.
The scuffle between Salimatou Kourouma and Kamite Elisabeth Dabou broke out during a post-match interview with Serbia’s Sasa Cado in the mixed zone and was captured by a Serbian news camera.
Basketball’s world governing body has opened an investigation after players on the Mali women’s team were filmed physically fighting one another following their World Cup loss to Serbia in Sydney.
Kourouma is contracted with Stade Malien, a professional team based in Mali‘s capital city Bamako, while Dabou plays for Centre Dorinthie Basket.
Mali originally didn’t even have the chance to compete in the women’s World Cup. They were a late entry to replace Nigeria, which had administrative issues.
A Fiba spokesperson confirmed it was aware of the incident.
”FIBA acknowledged today that there was an altercation between Mali players in the mixed zone following the Group B game Serbia-Mali at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022,” said a statement provided to Guardian Australia.
“Following the incident, FIBA has opened an investigation. Once the investigation is concluded, FIBA will decide on any applicable disciplinary measures.”
READ ALSO
Ndidi passed fit for PL clash against Nottingham Forest
Mali qualified for their second World Cup as a late replacement for Nigeria who pulled out citing administrative difficulties around the sport in their country.
Mali wraps up their tournament Tuesday, September 27, against Canada.
