BAMAKO (Mali) - History will be made on Saturday, July 27th in the Malian capital Bamako as Kenya face the Democratic Republic of Congo in the FIBA AfroCan 2019 Final.

Few predicted both teams would make it to the most important game of the inaugural FIBA AfroCan, especially because of their relatively unknown basketball history.

And that's what made the tournament a moment to remember.

DR Congo and Kenya faced off in the Group Phase

After a decade-long absence from the continent's major tournaments, the Congolese returned and left their mark at FIBA AfroBasket 2017, where they beat then-defending champions Nigeria, before falling to eventual champions Tunisia in the Quarter-Finals. 

On the other hand, Kenya returned to a FIBA Africa event for the first time since 1993.

Both teams reached the AfroCan title game after shocking some of Africa's big teams such as Morocco and Angola. 

DR Congo outlasted Angola 84-78 in the semifinal, while Kenya outplayed Morocco 96-66. 

 With four victories in as many games, DR Congo head to the Championship Game as the only undefeated team in the competition.

They began their FIBA AfroCan journey with an 82-65 Group B win over Kenya, and will learn of their AfroCan feat against Kenya.

In what would be their biggest test in the tournament, DR Congo overcame neighbouring Angola in a thriller.

Maxi Shamba, Evariste Shoganya and Roly Fula Nganga have been crucial for the Congolese, and the trio who average a combined 48 points, is expected to cause Kenya even more trouble Saturday.

However, Kenya who established a record for most three-points made (15) in an AfroCan game, will enter the game looking to close the competition better than they began. 

Offensively, Kenya seem to be more effective than their opponents, but they will need to find answers to the Congolese's aggressiveness to defend and attack the basket. 

Judging by their latest performances, it's almost impossible to predict who will lift the title of the FIBA AfroCan 2019.

Players to watch in the final include Kenya's sharpshooter Tyler Ongwae, seven-footer Tom Wamukota and Eric Mutoro, who buried a record eight three-points against Morocco.

 On the other hand, Shamba, Shonganya and Eric Kibi represent the Congolese core.

The game will shown live on FIBA's Facebook page with this website providing you with live commentary from the Salamatou Maiga Palace des Sports in Bamako.

FIBA