CAIRO (FIBA AfroBasket 2017) - In the lead-up to the FIBA AfroBasket 2017, we take a closer look at all 16 participating teams competing in the championship running from September 8-16 in the co-host countries of Senegal and Tunisia.

Team: Egypt
Nike FIBA World Ranking: 41st
Last Participation at FIBA AfroBasket: 2015 (5th)
Best result in the history of FIBA AfroBasket: African Champions 1962, 1964, 1970, 1975 and 1983
Qualified for FIBA AfroBasket 2017: Winner of the FIBA Africa Zone 5 Qualifiers

History/Qualification: Egypt are among the most respected nations on the continent. However, their last title dates back to 1983. Over the past decade, they have only stepped onto the podium once. That was back in 2013, when they claimed a runner-up finish, after losing to Angola in the Final.

Outlook: Egypt's new generation of players hasn't been short on confidence lately as they look to upset the hierarchy of top African teams.

Key player: Ibrahim El Gammal
Having been a part of the team at FIBA AfroBasket 2015, Ibrahim El Gammal might step forward as the leader of the Pharaohs on and off the court. His experience and his contributions will surely help when Egypt take on their Group D opponents including Mozambique, South Africa and co-hosts Senegal.

Rising star: Moustafa Elmekawi
Elmekawi may only be 22 years old but he has emerged as one of Egypt's promising stars. During FIBA Africa Zone 5 qualifiers earlier this year, the 6ft 5in power forward - who made his first appearance in a major competition at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 - contributed an impressive 7.6 points and 5.6 rebounds off the bench. 

Possible outcome: "Keep your head high and your hopes higher" might be Egypt's motto for FIBA AfroBasket 2017. This suggests they might be causing a surprise by making it to the Semi-Finals of the tournament.

FIBA