CONAKRY (FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017) - In the lead-up to the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017, we take a closer look at all 12 participating teams competing in the championship running from August 18-27 in Bamako, Mali.

Team: Guinea
NIKE FIBA World Ranking: 62nd
Last participation at FIBA Women's AfroBasket: 2015 (3 wins, 4 losses; 9th place)
Best results in the history of FIBA Women's AfroBasket: Runners-up as hosts of the 1966 African Championship. 
Qualified for FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017: Qualified as FIBA Africa Zone 2 representative following Cape Verde's withdrawal.

History/Qualification:  It's been over five decades since Guinea last finished on the podium of FIBA Africa's most important women's competition. 

As host of the four-nation 1966 edition of the African Championship, Guinea fell short to Egypt in the Final. 

Key player: At the age of 39, former France international Nadia Peruch-Niang is Guineas' leader on and off the court. She can score, play aggressive defensive, and more, importantly for Guinea, Peruch-Niang plays like a coach on the court.   

Rising Star:  Mariama Djiba Toure is only 23 years of age but she plays like a veteran. Two years ago, in her second FIBA Women's AfroBasket appearance, the left-handed guard averaged a team-high 14 points.  Don't be surprised if Toure takes Bamako by storm in a weeks time. Toure is one of the rising stars to watch out for at FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017.

This year's African Championship will be Toure's third - after making her debut in 2011 at the age of 17 in Mali.

Outlook: Far from being a powerhouse in FIBA Africa women's basketball, Guinea can't really be taken lightly. Two years ago they caught some by surprise by finishing with a 3-4 mark.

By keeping the entire roster from two years ago, coach Souleymane Sylla has reminded how consistency is key. While Guinea had travelled to Cameroon with only nine players, this time around they are holding a training camp with nineteen players at their disposable.    

As a result of Guinea qualifying without playing the regional qualifier, they might arrive in Bamako without facing national teams, which could determine their feat in the competition.    

Possible Outcome:  Although they look to finish higher than the ninth-place accomplished two years ago, they will face stiff competition to reach the last eight.

FIBA