MAPUTO (Mozambique) -Qualification for Africa's biggest basketball showpiece has never been this fierce for Mozambique ahead of the FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers set for November 25-29 in Kigali.

The southern Africans find themselves between a rock and a hard place in a tough Group D with the most successful team on the continent - Angola, a desperate Senegal side and Kenya who were finalists at last year's AfroCan - a tournament for players based in Africa. 

Captain Custodio Muchate told FIBA.basketball in an exclusive interview that, "All the teams in this group are strong. They're here because they have done something before. We respect not only Angola and Senegal, just because they went to the World Cup, but all the teams."

"So I can understand from now the importance of improving our game but Mozambique have some words to say in this tournament. We want to qualify for the AfroBasket next year."

Muchate has played for Mozambique since 2003

Mozambique have qualified for every AfroBasket since 1999 - an impressive 11 consecutive times and 15 in total since their debut in 1981 in Mogadishu, Somalia. 

This feat has earned them respect in Africa and to maintain the status quo, they must continue the tradition except this time it will be more difficult than they would have wanted. 

Senegal is a familiar opponent for Mozambique

Against Angola, an age-old Lusophone derby awaits them in what is expected to be a tightly contested tie as has always been the case between the two nations. When they take on Senegal, they will be seeking revenge for the loss at the AfroBasket three years ago, a game the hosts were in fine form and dominated 80-49. 

In their last tie, Mozambique will meet a side that evenly matches them for physicality in Kenya. Last year's FIBA AfroCan finalists come into this tournament hoping to qualify for their first AfroBasket since 1993. 

Aware of the challenge ahead, Muchate is confident that his side have what it takes to attain their objective and this includes lining up majority of the players from Ferroviario de Maputo to the national side ultimately helping with the much-needed team chemistry. 

"We have been working since October as Ferroviario de Maputo. It will be very important for us as players to represent our nation and face very good and professional players from all over the world," Muchate added.

Up to 10 out of 14 players on the provisional list feature for Ferroviario 

The Ferroviario contingent on the national team will also use the advantage of having played at the Kigali Arena during the Basketball Africa League Qualifiers last December and because of this will be in familiar territory. 

Mozambique take on Angola on November 25 at 18:00 GMT before taking on Senegal the next day at 15:00. They will then face Kenya on November 27 at 15:00 GMT. 

The last window of qualification will be held from February 19-21 at a venue yet to be confirmed.

FIBA