PRETORIA (South Africa) - Mali have almost always been the team to beat in the U18 Women's AfroBasket but as action gets underway on 1 September through to 13 September, can the status quo be challenged?
WHAT'S AT STAKE?
There's a title at stake, no doubt, but a place in the final guarantees one a ticket to the the prestigious FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2025 in Czechia.
COMPETITION SYSTEM
There are 12 teams divided into three (3) groups (A, B and C) of four (4) teams each. The top two in each group and the two (2) best third-placed teams in the Group Phase will qualify for the knockout stages.
PODIUM CANDIDATES?
Mali have been dominant, winning eight of the 16 editions held so far and while they are favourites alongside continental silver medalists Egypt, and bronze holders Angola, the three could face some real tests elsewhere.
NEWCOMERS
The field has five debutants, including the hosts. The others are Cameroon, Morocco, Zambia and Zimbabwe who were extended an invite by FIBA Africa via a wild card.
Three other side are making their return, Nigeria since 2008, Rwanda since their 2018 debut and Tunisia since 2014.
MALI
Mali are out to defend their title and hopefully produce yet another MVP. Maimouna Haidara made it five for Mali in 2022.
HOW TO WATCH THE GAMES
To watch what the best teenagers on the continent have to offer in this age group, follow the FIBA YouTube Channel.
Participating Teams
South Africa Mali Egypt Angola Morocco Nigeria Cameroon Uganda Zambia Rwanda Tunisia Zimbabwe
FIBA