KINSHASA (FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017) – Following their return to the prestigious FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, DR Congo are hungry to reinstate their prowess at the top with a positive performance at the Mali showpiece from August 18-27.

That they last competed at the continental competition in 2011 when it was held in Mali goes to show their excitement at returning to the same city where they last competed.

However, it was not an easy task to see off a tough challenge from their neighbors Central African Republic (CAF) 117-109 on aggregate over two games last weekend.

Speaking to FIBA.basketball, point guard Natacha Teba Mambengya said that, "It was very important for us to return to the scene after six years of being absent. It has saved the face of Congolese basketball."

“We were very motivated and proud to play in our country and especially in front of our fans and we had the obligation to earn the qualification.” - Mambengya

All will not be rosy for DR Congo when they arrive in Mali as they will be up against 12-time record champions Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, Guinea and Mozambique in Group B. 

The 25-year old admitted that this is the group of death, however, she is confident that their pedigree and determination will come into play against their opponents.

"So far, we are still the second most titled country after Senegal and we return to the competition ready to work very hard once again.

"We were very motivated and proud to play in our country and especially in front of our fans and we had this obligation to earn the qualification,” Mambengya explained.

She further emphasized that, "We will not give up. We know it will be very difficult. We have no country as a target but we will play every match and that will determine our true target."

DR Congo are the second most successful team in women's basketball on the African continent with three titles in 1983, 1986 and 1994 but will need to step up if they are to return to reinstate their past glory in the new century. 

FIBA