ALGIERS (AfroBasket Women 2015) - Algeria's Soumeya Regani is excited at the thought of playing at AfroBasket Women 2015 with her national team.

Regani first wore Algeria's colours at the FIBA Africa Zone I qualifiers for AfroBasket Women 2013 and still remembers the experience fondly.

"There was an extraordinary atmosphere in the group," the 27-year-old told FIBA.com.

Following a 53-42 loss to Tunisia in the first game of their Zone I Qualifier, Algeria secured their qualification for Maputo 2013 by taking edge on their opponents with a 72 - 58 win in the second game.

But Regani did not take part in tournament in Mozambique's capital city with Algeria who were making their come-back at the international level after a 10-year absence. The Algerians finished 11th in the competition.

Now back in the team led by Azzedine Labouize, the 1.92m centre played a key role and helped Algeria punch their ticket for AfroBasket Women 2015 after winning both games in a FIBA Africa Zone I two-leg Qualifier against Morocco in early May.

Regani, who is expected to make her first appearance at this summer's tournament, is aiming higher than what her country did two years ago.

"I am looking forward to play in such a competition. And I hope that we will do better than 2013 and especially bring joy to our fans", she said.

However, it will not be an easy task for Algeria, who have been drawn in Group B along with reigning champions Angola, Senegal, Guinea, Nigeria and a wild card to be determined.

"We will take the games one after the other and I hope that this tournament will help us gain more experience," Regani added.

AfroBasket Women 2015 takes place from 24 September-3 October in Yaounde, Cameroon and is a qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The winner of the tournament will secure automatic qualification, while the teams that finish second and third will book places in the 12-team 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).

FIBA