Is this Mozambique's turn to lift the #AfroBasketWomen's trophy?

MAPUTO (Mozambique) - Mozambique head to this year's FIBA Women's AfroBasket in Dakar looking to make history. But can they do it? 

In the build-up to the 12-nation competition in the Senegalese capital, from August 9-18, FIBA.basketball brings you a thorough look into each of the tournament's contenders.

The Mozambicans aren't short in talent. Their levels of confidence continues to grow year after year, and as one of the most competitive teams in Africa's women's basketball, none can really blame them for being ambitious and targeting the continent's most prestigious trophy. 

But somehow, history hasn't been generous to Mozambique: Two runners-up finishes (2003 and 2013) combined with three Third-Places leaves Mozambique in a desperation position to turn things around.

FIBA World Raking:  No. 4 in Africa (27th overall)

Goal: It might seem a cliche, but Mozambique, players, officials and coaching staff really believe this is their year. After so many failed attempts to win the continental title, they look at Dakar as the turning-point in their basketball fortunes.

Latest results: (Fourth place finish at FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017 in Bamako, Mali)

Quote - "We want to reach our predefined objective, which includes a placed in the podium at the African Championship (2019) because that would ensure us a spot in the 2020 Olympic Qualifying Tournament. However, our utmost target is to win the African title," Francisco Mabjaia, President of Mozambique Basketball Federation. 

Play  style: "For years, Mozambicans have adopted a 'never give up' mentality, which has proven reasonably successful. Ferocious competitive,  Mozambique's play style lies on the fast-break, three-point shooting and fighting for every possession.

How can they shock the continent? Mozambique need to improve their Free-Throws shooting, defend the perimeter a lot better than they have done in recent tournaments and stay focused defensively. 

Head coach: After two straight African Championships at the helm of Mozambique, Nasir Sale has stepped down. He has been replaced by Spaniard Julian Martinez Alman. 

And former Mozambique great Deolinda Ngulelas has been kept as an assistant coach. 

Julian Martinez Alman

Key player (s): Leia Dongue . At 28 year of age, Dongue is perhaps living the pinnacle of her playing career. After winning every imaginable clubs title and individual awards on the African continent, the 1,89m (6ft) heads to Dakar after helping Citylift Girona to the 2019 title of Spain's Liga Feminina. 

Leia Dongue

Rising Star(s): As we write this article, 19-year-old Shanaya Pinto is making noises at the ongoing FIBA U19 Women's Basketball World Cup 2019 in Thailand. And, judging by her latest performances, it's fair to believe that she can earn her second straight  FIBA Women's AfroBasket appearance.   

Overview: Far from being the tallest team in the competition, Mozambique  count on with the services of a talented army led by Dongue, prolific three-point shooter Anabela Cossa, Odelia Mafanela - who won the 2019 top scorer in the Mozambique National Championship - Tamara Seda, and experienced Deolinda Gimo. 

For some, this is Mozambique's most talented generation, and combine it with the desire of making history, then we'll have a contender in Dakar.  

And with a new coach in charge, they are likely to show up with a positive and stronger mentality.  

FIBA