September 2 preview: African teams enter the wide-open battle for Paris

MANILA (Philippines) - It's easier to just sit back and enjoy what's about to follow on Saturday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 than to go through every possible scenario in regards to qualification for Paris 2024.

It will be the last fixture for everyone playing in the Classification Games 17-32, but the Olympic dream is alive for all of the teams involved, one way or another. 

Here's a humble attempt at going through the main questions for September 2.

Japan enter the day in pole position

Japan have what looks like the winning edge as the only team from Asia with two victories. However, they need another win to lock in their spot in Paris 2024.

Cape Verde is one tough cookie as we already saw in their victory against Venezuela. Or just ask Slovenia, who were involved in a tight third quarter against the World Cup rookies.

Here's another reminder that the team's position in their group will be the determining factor for the overall standings. Finland will be doing everything to beat Venezuela and top Group O to be certain of a spot in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

It's certain that other teams will be monitoring this group very closely.

Do Egypt and South Sudan decide it between themselves?

Both Egypt and South Sudan are ahead in Groups M and N respectively with 2-2 records. Egypt have a +3 point differential, while South Sudan are at +2. It almost seems like it's their spot in Paris to lose, right?

No! South Sudan are taking on Angola, who will be aiming for a big win and hoping that everything breaks right in the other groups to bring home the Olympic ticket to Luanda.

At the same exact time Egypt will be going up against New Zealand, a team that was a few points away from beating Greece and reaching the Second Round.

Remember that note about others following Group O? Well, what if Cape Verde become the only African team to finish top in their group? 

Matter of fact, Cote d'Ivoire can still do the same in Group P...

Can anyone even predict the outcome in Group P?

Cote d'Ivoire must be singing the blues after two close losses against Brazil and Lebanon. They could have been in such a comfy spot.

Now they need a win against the EuroBasket 2022 runners-up France, and who's to tell Lebanon don't join them at 2-2 after their game with Iran!? Then it would be time for some more calculations. 

One must also look at it from Lebanon's perspective. They have been rolling ever since that close loss against France. Add them to the list of teams hoping that Japan come up short.

Friends, it will be pure madness today!

Other storylines for September 2

• Can the Philippines close out the World Cup with a victory for their fans? They face China, who would also look to pass by Japan, yet are held back by their 20-point loss against South Sudan.

• Do we get one last Kobe moment from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and do Jordan get their first win against Mexico? Pako Cruz and his team are also reliable for some entertaining moments.

FIBA