ABIDJAN (Cote d'Ivoire) -The clock is ticking for 20 national teams to secure the 15 remaining places for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket in Angola in August.
All 20 national teams made their first pitches in February and November last year, but it's the crucial and final qualifying window in three weeks' time that will decide who makes it to Angola.
Tripoli, Rabat and Antananarivo will host the third qualifying window for this year's African Championship from 21-23 February.
Which teams will book their tickets to Angola? Which teams will miss the train to Angola, a country hosting FIBA's flagship tournament for the first time since 2007?
Here's what to expect from the action in each group when the Window tips off.
Group A
6/12 GAMES PLAYED
Last November in Dakar, minutes after losing their first game on African soil since 2022 (to DR Congo), South Sudan head coach Luol Deng stepped up to the post-match press conference with a defiant speech and a promise to get his team ready.
Fast forward to February and the clash between Group A leaders DR Congo and South Sudan is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the qualifiers.
Separated by a single point at the top of the group, the two teams look like strong contenders for two of the three tickets to the Angolan showpiece.
But judging by their performances in Dakar, neither Window 3 hosts Morocco nor Mali can be overlooked, but surely the clash between the two will be one of the biggest attractions in Rabat.
Group B
6/12 GAMES PLAYED
What seemed unthinkable a few years ago has happened in the first three games of Group B in Monastir, Tunisia.
First, Libya, a team that hadn't been part of the African basketball elite since hosting AfroBasket in 2009, caused their opponents all sorts of problems before finishing with a remarkable 2-1 record.
Then high-flying Cape Verde reminded everyone that qualifying for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup wasn't a fluke, as the islanders defeated all three of their Group B opponents to boost their chances of a second AfroBasket appearance.
But the question on everyone's lips is how Nigeria can bounce back from 3-0 down to qualify for the finals.
Beating Cape Verde, a team they have lost to in their last three meetings, is a must for Nigeria if they are to remain in contention for a place in Angola. This means that Nigeria must close their Group B campaign with a win over Cape Verde on 23 February.
In fairness, Nigeria's toughest challenge will come on the opening day when they take on hosts Libya, who they lost to in Monastir.
Group C
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If it's not a classic yet, it may soon be. Senegal and Cameroon gave fans the most entertaining game of the second window of the qualifiers, going down to the wire, and with another meeting on the cards in a few weeks' time, this is a MUST-WATCH.
It will be interesting to see these two teams meet on neutral ground, as Cameroon emerged victorious the last time they met in Lagos, Nigeria, for a place at the 2024 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
Gabon have made some changes to their squad, including the appointment of a new coach, but can they overcome an 0-3 record and a whopping -88 point differential? As the saying goes, it's not over until it's over, and Gabon will be looking to prove the odds wrong.
Group D
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If there is one game everyone is waiting for, it is the clash between Côte d'Ivoire and Egypt, two of the five nations that have represented Africa at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Côte d'Ivoire proved the odds against Egypt in Cairo by finishing top of Group D in the first round, but will the Elephants continue their winning ways in Antananarivo?
Egypt have called up a number of talented young players and brought in a new head coach - Mohamed Mounir El-Kerdany - to counter Côte d'Ivoire's favouritism.
The tension is palpable in Antananarivo as Madagascar, who have enjoyed remarkable success in the 3-on-3 discipline, seek their first AfroBasket ticket since hosting the tournament in 2011.
Meanwhile, former African champions Central African Republic face a challenge for the ages as they sit bottom of the group with a 0-3 record.
Group E
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(1) - Qualified as hosts of the 2025 AfroBasket
After a disappointing campaign in the World Cup qualifiers, Tunisia seem to be back on track and three wins in front of their home fans against Angola, Guinea and Kenya couldn't have been more indicative of the reigning African champions' resurgence.
However, remaining unbeaten on home soil is one thing, but going 3-0 in Tripoli and beating a team like Angola could be a tall order for Tunisia, especially with the 2025 AfroBasket hosts looking to give their fans hope.
Guinea had a tough time in Monastir in the first round and, like Kenya, the last three games in Group E could be anyone's game.
FIBA