CAIRO (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers) - One of the highly-anticipated moments for Egypt basketball fans is just around the corner as the Pharaohs prepare to take on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) later this week in Cairo.

From June 29 - July 1, Egypt will play as hosts of the second-leg of Group C of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers against Angola, DR Congo, and Morocco.

It's the first time that Egypt host a major continental tournament since the FIBA AfroBasket 2003.

Egypt currently trail Group C leaders Angola with a 2-1 mark, and they aim at improving their chances of moving on in the competition.

The last time these two teams faced off in November in the Angolan city of Luanda, Egypt needed extra five minutes to see off a resilient Congolese team.

Seven-footer center Omar Oraby has been crucial for Egypt averaging 11 points and nine rebounds per game and both, Ibrahim El Gammal and Ramy Gunady, have been fundamental on the offensive end of the floor with a combining 25 points per contest. 

Nevertheless, the Egyptians are poised to face a stiff opposition from a highly-motivated DRC, who - despite losing all their three games so far - have made adjustments in order to keep their World Cup aspirations alive.

The Congolese not only appointed Frenchman John Douaglin as their head coach, but they also invited a number of foreign-based players with international basketball experience. 

And although Herve Kabasele - a key member of the "Leopards" in recent years - might miss out the tournament due to a knee injury, they received a major boost with the arrival of Christian Eyenga - a small forward who is enjoying a successful career in Europe top leagues.

Egypt beat DRC 65-61 in the first-leg of Group C of the World Cup African Qualifiers

And to make sure, Egypt's campaign goes according to plan, Amr Aboulkheir's men have been in training camp for over a month.

And the arrival of power forward Assem Marei last week could boost Egypt's game in the painted area. 

Assem Marei last featured for Egypt at FIBA AfroBasket 2015

"Of course it is really important for us to qualify again since we couldn’t qualify for the last [Rio] Olympics," Marei said to FIBA.basketball.

"It feels great to be back with the team and the organization representing my country has always been an honor and a priority for me," the 26-year-old, added.

The teams that finish in the top three places of the group will advance to the 12-team Second Round of the African Qualifiers in September.

 FIBA