VIDNOE (2015 FIBA U19 Women’s World Championship) - Canada collected a 71-62 victory against Mali in their first outing of the 2015 FIBA U19 Women's World Championship but were made to work hard by their Group C opponents.

Turning point: With just four points separating the teams late in the third, Canada managed to find a higher gear either side of the third and fourth quarter break with a 14-4 run that gave them the impetus to push on and take the win.

Stats Don’t Lie: Mali might have been able to apply even more pressure on Canada if they hadn’t missed eleven free-throw attempts.

Game Hero: Lauren Yearwood was about as efficient as it got for Canada's main players and registered a handy 10 points and seven rebounds.

The Bottom Line: Canada will be thankful for escaping what would have been labelled a major shock, and also happy to have got through a tougher test than most people may have expected. Meanwhile Mali will be buoyed by this display. Cheered on by their colourfully decorated supporters in the stands, they opened some eyes with a proud display. It was a hugely encouraging effort which bodes well for the remainder of the competition. They will feel quietly confident against Serbia in their next game.

FIBA