Alexandria/Luanda (Egypt/Angola) - There are hight expectations about the number of impactful players to perform in the final window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers, and here is a list of players to watch out for.

When Groups E and F of the African Qualifiers return to action for the decisive set of games in Alexandria and Luanda, from Friday, February 24 until Sunday 26, more than trying to find out which four African teams will join Cote d'Ivoire in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Asia, fans will eagerly hope to watch the best talents Africa can offer.

Walter Tavares (Cape Verde)

CENTER

Birth date: March 22, 1992 (30 years-old)
Height: 221cm / 7'3"
Club: Real Madrid (Spain)

For some, Tavares won't be able to feature in Group E's opener against Guinea on February 24 due to his employer Real Madrid's international schedule on Thursday, February 23. However, the islanders desperately hope to have Tavares - who has terrorised Angola's defence in their last meetings - against Angola and Cote d'Ivoire in an attempt to to keep Cape Verde's World Cup's hope alive.

In five African Qualifiers games, Tavares averages team-highs of 15.8 points,12.4 and a 25 Efficiency per game. Cape Verde desperately needs Tavares, who, has, for years, dreamed of helping his country qualify for a major world competition. 

Assem Marei (Egypt)

POWER FORWARD/CENTER

Birth date: June 16, 1992 (30 years-old)
Height: 206cm / 6'9"
Club: Changwon LG Sakers (South Korea)

Alongside Ehab Amin and Anas Mahmoud, Assem Marei has become a breath of fresh air for the Pharaohs who will play at home for the second time in the 2023 World Cup African Qualifiers.

Marei, who was the main reason Egypt qualified for the 2014 World Cup but missed out the tournament, has, in five African Qualifiers games, averaged team-highs of 17.5 Efficiency and 8.7 rebounds and 13.2 points per game. 

A colossal presence in the paint, Marei is massively needed to face off their opponents' physicality.

Childe Dundao (Angola)

POINT GUARD

Birth date: May 17, 1998 (25 years-old)
Height: 167 cm / 5'6"
Club: Petro de Luanda (Angola)

Throughout the African Qualifiers, Dundao has proven that his short height hasn't prevented him from performing on the big stage.

A floor general for Angola, Dundao is known for his fast-paced style of play, which has improved significantly with his three-point shooting. 

With 11.4 points per game, Dundao leads Angola in scoring for players with nine African Qualifiers games, and leads the tournament with 2.9 steals per game.

Vafessa Fofana (Cote d'Ivoire)

FORWARD

Birth date: June 12, 1992 (30 years-old)
Height: 201cm / 6'7"
Club: Gravelines-Dunkerque (France)

In nine African Qualifiers games, Fofana has made his presence felt for the only undefeated team in Africa so far with valuable 12.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.8 assist per game. 

Ivan Almeida (Cape Verde)

GUARD/FORWARD

Birth date: May 10, 1989 (33 years-old)
Height: 200cm / 6'6"
Club: Benfica (Portugal)

It's not difficult to find out why Almeida is one of the most impactful players in Cape Verde's rotation. He usually does a bit of everything for the team. From starting plays to finishing them, most of the Blue Sharks plays run through Almeida's hands, and it comes as no surprise that he averages 10.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

Nuni Omot (South Sudan)

FORWARD

Birth date: October 3, 1994 (28 years-old)
Height: 204cm / 6'9"
Club: Westchester Knicks (USA G League)

It's almost impossible to dissociate South Sudan's impressive African Qualifiers campaign from Omot's impact on both ends of the floor.

Athletic with an ability to shoot the ball, Omot leads South Sudan in scoring with 14 points per game. 

Ehab Amin (Egypt)

GUARD

Birth date: August 1, 1995 (27 years-old)
Height: 185cm / 6'1"
Club: Al Ahly Sporting Club (Egypt) 

When Egypt need to play fast-break, the former Oregon University standout is the man to go. But he's known for doing it all for the Pharaohs. From long range shooting to vocally lead the team's defence, Amin can make a difference on both ends of the floor, and his 14.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game speak for the themselves. 

Youssoupha Ndoye (Senegal)

CENTER

Birth date: July 15, 1991 (31 years-old)
Height: 212cm / 6'11"
Club: Coviran Granada (Spain ACB) 

One of Ndoye's highlights so far was his 20-rebound performance in a 75-57 victory against Egypt, which became a record for rebounds in a single African Qualifiers game. 

But the Ndoye has also done a bit of everything for the Lions. From averaging second highest efficiency rate (12) to contributing 9.2 points per game, Ndoye could be a valuable asset in Alexandria.

FIBA