DAKAR (Senegal) - Senegal shocked the world five years ago by beating European heavyweights Croatia at FIBA Basketball World in Spain. Now they try to return to a competition they believe they belong.

To secure a spot at this summer's World Cup in China, the Senegalese have some work to do, starting this Friday in Abidjan when they take to the court for the second leg of Group F of the African Qualifiers against Rwanda, Mali and Nigeria.

The inevitable question now is, 'Can Senegal return to the World Cup for the second time in a row'?

Twenty-four hours after the Senegalese Basketball Federation announced their final roster, FIBA.basketball look thoroughly at the numbers and possible scenarios and tries to answer the questions Senegalese, and their opponents can't wait to have answered.

The scenario

Senegal sit in second place of Group F with 16 points, behind China 2019-bound Nigeria, and would secure a spot in the World Cup with a win or if Cote d'Ivoire lose at least one of their last three games.

They can't contemplate a loss to Rwanda or  Mali as they will close their Group F facing Nigeria - a team they haven't beaten since the FIBA AfroBasket 2013 in Abidjan.

Senegal at the World Cup

The West Africans stand as one of the most regular African countries at world stage competitions with four FIBA Basketball World Cup appearances (1978, 1998, 2006 and 2014). 

Arguably one of their most important wins in the tournament history came five years ago when Senegal beat Croatia 77-75 in the Group Phase in Sevilla before reaching the Eighth Finals where they lost to hosts Spain in the capital Madrid. 

Key Players: Faye, D'Almeida and Ndoye

In the absence of Gorgui Dieng and Maurice Ndour, the Senegalese are set to rely their game on an experienced trio of Mouhammad Faye, Xane D'Almeida and Youssoupha Ndoye - who is having a world-class season with the JL Bourg-en-Bress in France's PRO A.

As the second top performer after Dieng, Ndoye - a 2,11m (6ft11in) center averaged 12 points and six rebounds in  African Qualifiers games.

Expert opinion (FIBA.basketball editorial team)

Senegal would secure a spot in the World Cup with a win or if Cote d'Ivoire lose at least one of their last three games.

It has never happened before to see Senegal qualify to two straight FIBA Basketball World Cup tournaments. However, these are different times, and the Senegalese currently register one of the most talented generation of players. 

Can Rwanda, Mali or Nigeria deter Senegal's attempt to reach the China 2019 showpiece? It won't be an easy ride, but certainly the Senegalese, even though they miss some key players such as Dieng or Ndour, can become of the five countries to qualify for the World Cup.

After all, it's just one win that they need.

FIBA