BAMAKO (FIBA Women AfroBasket 2017) – We are counting hours to the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017, with the best 12 national teams on the continent ready to take part in the continental showpiece from August 18-27 in the Malian capital.

Representing all the zones on the African continent and divided into two Groups – A and B, they will be fighting to be crowned African champions with the finalists qualifying for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain.

Here is a comprehensive look at Group B. 

There is no single shade of doubt that this is the most competitive group at this year's edition including record 12-time champions Senegal, two-time winners Nigeria, Mozambique as well as the stubborn Egypt, Guinea and Democratic Republic of Congo who are returning to the big stage for the first time since 2011. 

SENEGAL

Senegal, who are the highest ranked team on the African continent, do not just come into this edition as defending champions but as potential winners to defend their title. 

With eight of the 12 players that won the title in Cameroon two years ago available, Moustapha Gaye's squad looks unstoppable. 

Even with the absence of Maimouna Diarra, who is involved with the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, Senegal still look like the team to beat and will be looking to win a record 13th title. 

Aya Traore, 2015 Most Valuable Player along with Astou Toure and the Malian-born Ramata Daou will be at the helm of Senegal's charge.

NIGERIA

If their performance at the 2015 edition is anything to go by then Nigeria will be one of the teams challenging for the title. 

Following their 71-70 loss to hosts Cameroon, Nigeria come into this competition with several lessons from two years ago. 

The inclusion of WNBA recruit Evelyn Akhator, who plies her trade for the Dallas Wings as well as big names like Sarah Ogoke, Ndidi Madu and Adaora Elonu will give Sam Vincent's side the experience to come up against a challenge from Senegal and Cameroon. 

MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique, who fell short to Angola in the final in 2013 after overtime, will be looking to once again challenge for the title and this time win it albeit playing away from home. 

Nasir Sale has assembled an experienced side blended with youngsters ready to get their chance at this level and will be doing everything to achieve their set target. 

With the retirement of Deolinda Ngulela who has since been appointed assistant coach, the southern Africans will be relying on her experience thus far. 

Currently at a good point in their rebuilding process, now should be the time for Mozambique to challenge Senegal and Nigeria. Should they mount a challenge as early as the group stages, it will be a pacesetter for them. 

EGYPT

For the very first time in over three decades, Egypt have qualified for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket without relying on a wild card. 

After edging rivals Kenya and Uganda in the Zone 5 qualifiers, the North Africans have earned their place at the big stage and will be looking to edge closer to the top of the pyramid. 

They stunned Angola in 2015 in a 53-52 win and even though they lost to Senegal and Nigeria, the two sides will be wary of the youthful side, once again the youngest at the tournament. 

The growth of Soraia Deghady and Menatalla Awad has numerically increased Egypt's chances of poising a challenge in Mali and challenge it will be. 

GUINEA

Guinea are the dark horses of Group B but have shown that they are targeting a place in the last eight, one that they believe is attainable and thereafter their fate will be determined by how far they can go. 

With the experience of Aminata Sylla, Shady Mbaye and Simone Gnaraba, Guinea will look to avenge their losses to Senegal and Nigeria in the group stages. 

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Democratic Republic of Congo are returning to the big stage for the first time since 2011 and whether they will pick up from where they left off will be left to be seen in the opening game against Egypt. 

FIBA