Algeria champions GS Petroliers through to the FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women 2017

ALGIERS (FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women 2017) - Algerian champions GS Petroliers have become the sixth team to qualify for the 12-team FIBA Africa Champions Cup Women (ACCW) 2017.

Although a powerhouse in the North Africa region, the Algerian outfit didn't need to play the FIBA Africa Zone 1 qualifier to secure their spot in this year's ACCW to be held in Luanda, Angola, from November 10-19.

They advanced to the ACCW Finals for the second year in a row following the withdrawal of regional clubs.

A year ago, the Algerians became a pleasant surprise at ACCW in the Mozambican capital of Maputo not only for playing an attractive basketball but essentially for demonstrating that they can compete against Africa's top basketball clubs. 

They won four of their seven games, reached the Quarter-Finals and they pushed the tournament front-runners to the edge.

One of the biggest moments of GS Petroliers ACCW debut came in the Quarter-Finals as they led hosts Ferroviario de Maputo 34-30 at the break, but eventually they fell short 69-57.

At the time, the Algerians promised to return in 2017, and they did it just that. 

So far teams qualified for the ACCW 2017 includes Nigeria champions First Bank, both ASB Victoria and SB Darling Motema from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and both Kenyan teams Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and Equity Basketball.

Seven FIBA Africa Zone 6 clubs are currently competing in Gaborone for two spots in the Final Round. 

FIBA