TOULOUSE (France) - For Guinea's Mohamed Queta, it's not about how they started the qualifiers for the FIBA AfroBasket 2021, but how they hope to finish it that matters.

Guinea have opened their Group C campaign of the qualifiers for FIBA Africa's flagship tournament with three defeats in as many games two months ago in Yaounde, Cameroon.

The 0-3 mark means they rank last in the group behind leaders Cote d'Ivoire (3-0), Cameroon (2-1) and Equatorial Guinea (1-2). 

"WE NEED TO KEEP FIGHTING AND GET BACK IN THE RACE FOR A PLACE IN THE FINAL ROUND. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO DO IT, THAT'S WINNING ALL THREE GAMES REMAINING."- Queta

With just three spots on offer for each group for the Final Round in Kigali next year, Guinea will have their backs against the wall if they fail to win a game in the second round in February 2021.

"I am sure we are going to make some noise in the second round," Queta adamantly noted in a recent conversation with FIBA.basketball.

The 24-year-old power forward admitted that Guinea had a poor start to the qualifiers, and explained that having new players on the team takes time to produce positive results.

"We are still learning how to play as a team," he reasoned. "But this is not an excuse. We need to keep fighting and get back in the race for a place in the Final Round. There is only one way to do it, that’s winning all three games remaining."

Queta, who currently plays for Toulouse Basket in France's NM1, produced some eye-catching moments in the the first three games, averaging 6 points and eight rebounds.

But it was his 2.6 blocks per game, including four swats against Cote d'Ivoire that raised eyebrows.

"At the beginning of my career I was more focused on the offence, but I have learned that play defence is as important to win games. Defence gives the momentum to offensive plays," said the 2,07m (6ft 9in).

"I am quite athletic and quick for a big man. My dream is to build a long and successful playing career both at club and national team level, but I am taking one step at a time," he acknowledged.

Whether Guinea can make their second straight appearance at AfroBasket or not is something that time will tell, but Queta is adamant that they are not done yet. They want to stay where everything happens in the African basketball scene.

Mohamed Queta is seen here during a World Cup 2019 African qualifiers game 

He went on saying: "Guinea has made significant progress in the past few years even though we acknowledge that there is still room for improvement.

"I am making the most of  experience from this kind of competition. As a competitor I really love making the best teams in the continent of Africa. Playing at such high level helps improve my game," said the man who currently ranks as Guinea's top performer behind Ousmane Drame.

FIBA