Mali Loses First Game at the Women’s Basketball World Cup.

Mali who took the place of African champions, Nigeria’s D’tigress, lost their opening group game at the Women’s Basketball World Cup, suffering an 89-56 defeat by Japan in Sydney, Australia.

The West Africans trailed 21-18 after the first quarter, but then found themselves 47-29 down at the break.

Japan scored 16 three-pointers in a convincing win, while point guard Djeneba N’diaye top-scored for Mali with 13 points.

The 2007 African champions gained entry to their second World Cup following Nigeria’s withdrawal from the international game in June.

Mali will face hosts Australia today before Group B games against France, Serbia, and Canada on consecutive days from Sunday.