The late 14th century was the beginning of the end for Mali, as a series of incompetent kings bankrupted the Empire and weakened its hold over its provinces.
But the 15th century was more of a mixed bag - Malinke expansion towards the coast coincided with the arrival of Portuguese traders. The two would inevitably butt heads throughout the course of this period, and into the next century. Mali would come out of this conflict alive - but only just.
