TEAM PROFILE: Can DR Congo pass their tough Group Phase test?
If DRC are able to pass their first test against Nigeria on the opening day, they will boost their chances of reaching the knock-out, but DR Congo's toughest challenger is Egypt
KINSHASA (DR Congo) - It's been almost three decades since the DR Congo (DRC) last won an African Championship, and trying to return to their glory days is being anything but easy.
As the Congolese return to the FIBA Women's AfroBasket for the first time since 2019, two inevitable questions arise: Can DR Congo pass tough Group Phase test against Nigeria and Egypt? Can DR Congo fight for a fourth title in Africa's biggest Women's Championship?
Find out more about the DRC team:
Team: Democratic Republic of Congo
FIBA Ranking: No. 74th in the World; 10th in Africa according to the latest FIBA World Ranking updated on February 28, 2023.
Last participation at Women's AfroBasket: DR Congo finished sixth at the 2019 edition of the tournament in Dakar, Senegal.
Best result(s): Three-time African champions in 1983, 1986 and 1994.
How they qualified: DRC saw off Gabon in a two-game series in Yaounde, Cameroon, in March this year.
Africa: DR Congo have faced ups and downs in recent times when it comes to the Women's AfroBasket.
After two consecutive appearances in the tournament in 2017 (3-3) and 2019 (2-4), the Congolese missed out the 2021 tournament in Yaounde.
Although DR Congo dropped four places to 74th (World) and 10th (in Africa), they remain a force to be reconned with in the FIBA Africa Zone 4 where they only trail Cameroon.
Three-time Women's Basketball World Cup participant (1983, 1990 and 1998), DRC became in 1996 the first African country to participate in the Women's Olympic tournament.
2023 Women's AfroBasket Group: DRC have been drawn in Group D with Nigeria and Egypt.
Marlene Ngobeleza
Star player(s): During the two-team qualifiers, Marlene Ngobelesa led her team in scoring with 21 points per game; Deborah Mayimona contributed 19 points per game and Cecile Nyoka left her mark with 15 points per game.
Coach: Bellar Thsibangu is the man at the helm of the former African champions.
Outlook: It looks improbable that the Congolese who enjoyed unparalleled continental success in the 1980s and and early 1990s could be among a frontrunners in the race to this year's tournament title.
If they are able to pass their first test against reigning champions Nigeria on the opening day, they will boost their chances of reaching the knock-out, but DR Congo's toughest challenger is Egypt, a highly ambitious team looking to reach the Semi-Finals for the first time in their history.
A Quarter-Finals spot is possible for the Congolese, but it's unlikely they can move further.
FIBA