2023 Women's AfroBasket - PREVIEW (Groups C and D)
The FIBA Women's AfroBasket teams are putting the final touches to their preparation for the tournament. Those last tune-ups could determine how far teams go when the tournament gets underway in Kigali.
KIGALI (Rwanda) - The countries that have qualified for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket (28 July - 5 August) in Kigali, Rwanda, are putting the final touches to their preparation for the tournament.
Those last tune-ups could determine how far teams go when the tournament gets underway at the beautiful BK Arena in Kigali.
The Group Phase will run between July 28-30.
The winner of each group advance directly to the Quarter-Finals while the teams that finish second and third will do battle in the Qualification Round to the Quarter-Finals (August 1).
Looking at Group C and D, you can see that they will be some competitive matches in the offering.
Senegal, the most successful nation at the tournament with 11 titles, are likely favourites in Group C.
Senegal's neighbours Mali, the 2007 champions, know what success tastes like, and they will have the desire to go a step further than 2021's Second-Place finish.
East African powerhouse Uganda will fight to earn the respect of their more celebrated opponents.
Five-time champions Nigeria arrive at the tournament as champions, and probably the pundit's choice to prevail from Group D. The West African will not have all their way as Egypt want to prove they are also a top nation on the continent.
Three-time champions, the Democratic Republic of Congo have had a dip in recent times but could have the element of surprise on their side.
Group C:
Senegal, Mali and Uganda
The battle between Mali and Senegal, which will be the final game of Group D, could determine which country tops the group. The two West African giants are brimming with talent, with players like Sika Kone (Mali) and Yacine Diop (Senegal) having the potential to light up the tournament.
The last time Mali and Senegal faced each other - during the 2019 FIBA Women's Olympic Africa Tournament in Maputo - the Senegalese prevailed 58-53
Uganda are no afterthought. Their Spanish coach Alberto Atuna is aware of the job at hand. He will burn the midnight oil, figuring out how to slay Mali and Senegal.
Group D:
Nigeria, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Nigeria will have to have reckless confidence in themselves at the tournament. They will have their sceptics, given how they prepared for the tournament. With some of the core that won in 2021 returning, the D'Tigresses cannot be written off.
Egypt will fancy their chances against this Nigerian team in the final game of Group D. The North Africans have always been bubbling under and could explode in Rwanda. With players like Soraia Deghiedy, Nadine Mohamed and Raneem Elgadawy in their ranks, Egypt can fire on all cylinders.
Nigeria v Egypt (106-72), August 2017, Women's AfroBasket, Bamako
The Democratic Republic of Congo have a great history at this tournament. In recent times, they have battled to reproduce what made them great. Players like Cecile Nyoka, Marlene Ngobeleza and Deborah Miyamona carry the baton, but can they lead their country to success?
Fixtures of Group C and D:
Group C
28 July: Mali vs Uganda
29 July:Uganda vs Senegal
30 July: Senegal vs Mali
Group D
28 July: Nigeria vs DRC
29 July: DRC vs Egypt
30 July: Egypt vs Nigeria
FIBA