NIAMEY (Niger) - Four teams and two tickets are up for grabs in the 2022 Road to BAL's Group A in Niamey, Niger. But which of the four teams will advance to the Elite 16 round of the Basketball Africa League (BAL)?

Abidjan Basket Club (Cote d'Ivoire), AS Nigelec (Niger), Elan Coton Basketball Club (Benin) and Stade Malien Basketball Club (Mali) will do battle to keep their BAL dream alive from Friday, October 21 through to  Sunday, October 23.

All Group A games will be streamed on FIBA's Youtube Chanel. 

ABC,  who are the most decorated side in Group A, will step out against BAL debutant, Stade Malien in the opening game on Friday while home side Association Sportive Nigelec Basketball Club will see action against another debutant Elan Coton.

Speaking with FIBA.basketball Stade Malien head coach Kaba Kante says they may be making their debut in Africa top flight club Championship but they are out to prove a point in the Road to BAL qualifiers with an eye on picking one of spots to the Elite 16.

Sharing Coach Kante's confidence were Stade Malien guard Amine Aguib Assan Toure. The 1.87m (6ft) Ivorian believed his team have what it takes to proceed to the Elite 16 round.

"We are not in Niamey for tea-party but to tell a story about Mali basketball" declared, Coach Kante.

Road to BAL debutants Fofana Seydougou and Puerto Rico's Pacheco Georgie, who will suit up for ABC in Niamey, noted that they are in Niger to continue the rich tradition of their team.

Meanwhile, Elan Coton swingman, Tawadioun Baboni Mama told FIBA.basketball that his team may debutants in the Road to BAL, but there is no fear factor in their dictionary.

"We are the champion of our league and we are in Niamey to prove that we have what it takes to get the job done."

Three days of basketball actions will determine who among the four teams make it to the Elite 16.

FIBA