How far can Mozambique go at FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017?

MAPUTO (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: Mozambique
NIKE FIBA World Ranking: 26th
Last participation at FIBA Women's AfroBasket: 2015 (4 wins, 4 losses; 6th place)
Best results in the history of FIBA Women's AfroBasket: Runners-up 1986, 2003 and 2013, Third-Place in 2005 and 1993. 
Qualified for FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017: Winner of FIBA Africa Zone 6 qualifiers against Zimbabwe.

History/Qualification: Mozambique have qualified for the Finals for the ninth time in a row.

Along with Angola, Mozambique were one of the two Africa representatives at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2014 in Turkey.

At this year's African Championship, Mozambique have been drawn in Group B alongside Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, Guinea, and DR Congo.

Key players: Leia Dongue, Anabela Cossa. While the former has become a household name across the continent of Africa, Cossa is a terrific three-pointer. 

Rising Star: Aquila Mucubaquire is a 20-year-old guard who has recently been named MVP of the 2017 Mozambique Championship.

Outlook: This team is good enough to cause some upsets along the way. And, with Dongue and Cossa - who missed out the 2015 edition of the African Championship - set to return in Bamako, expect to be a highly competitive opponent. The pair gives Mozambique a tremendous boost at both ends of the floor.

And, head coach Nasir Sale will make his third straight FIBA Women's AfroBasket appearance.

Possible Outcome: Reaching the Quarter-Finals is a must for Mozambique. From there, anything is possible. 

FIBA