FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2016 set to tip off in Cairo

CAIRO (FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2016) - Here are the four games of the FIBA Africa Champions Cup (ACC) 2016 to look forward to on Wednesday at Al Ahly Arena in Cairo, Egypt.

The tournament will run from 7-16 December and the twelve participating teams have been divided in two groups of six each following Tuesday night's official draw.

City Oilers (Uganda) v Groupement Sportif des Petroliers GSP (Algeria)

This a battle Group B match-up between two ACC newcomers and both sides have a great opportunity to clinch their maiden win in the 12-team tournament Without Algerian international Mohamed Harat, who reportedly is moved to, GSP see their offensive options slightly reducded, making the Ugandan champions favourite, especially if the likes of Stanley Ocitti, Kami Kabangu and rising star Jimmy Enabu play at their best. The trio was crucial during the FIBA ACC Zone 5 qualifiers two months ago, and if they remain injury-free the Oilers could make big noise in Cairo. 

Recreativo Libolo (Angola) v AS Sale (Morocco)

In the second Group B encounter of the day, the FIBA ACC 2015 runners-up Recreativo Libolo of Angola will square off Moroccan side AS Sale. This is a must-watch game as the two teams are mostly made up of Angolan and Moroccan internationals. The Moroccans are likely to rely on the thei national team captain Abdelrahim Najah, Abdelhakim Zouita and Soufian Kourodu, while the Angolans could be paced by Olimpio Cipriano, Valdelicio Joaquim, Milton Barros and veteran Eduardo Mingas.

Al Ahly Sporting Club (Egypt) v Nzui Manto (Cameroon)

Hosts Al Ahly sporting club will open their FIBA ACC 2016 Group A campaign against tournament debutants Nzui Manto of Cameroon. Playing at home, the Egyptians have the home-court advantage but they need to stay focused to avoid potential surprises in their opening game.

Kano Pillars (Nigeria) v Club Africain (Tunisia)

In the last game of the day, Nigeria champions Kano Pillars will take on Tunisian champions Club Africain in the Group A's second game. Sanni Ahmed, the head coach of Pillars, recently said they are heading to Cairo looking to finish on the podium. Going up against one of the title contenders could provide a clear idea of their competitiveness and potential to finish among the top three teams.

FIBA