Who will stop Senegal at the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2017?

DAKAR (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: Senegal
NIKE FIBA World Ranking: 17th
Last participation at FIBA Women’s AfroBasket: 2015 (6 wins, 2 losses; Champions)
Qualified for FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017: Automatic qualification as reigning champions

History/Qualification: Senegal are the record champions of FIBA Women's AfroBasket having been crowned winners 12 times since the inaugural edition of the biennial tournament in 1966.

An ultimate powerhouse revered by everyone on the African continent for the past five decades mostly for their ruthlessness on the court and colossal stature while at it.

Perhaps it is their pedigree that scares off opponents early on establishing a mental advantage prior to games but nevertheless, their commitment to the great cause of staying at the top has come in full handy for them.

Even though these titles have been spread over the past 50 years, it is important to note that, in the 21st century, they have walked away with three continental titles - in 2001, 2009 and 2015. 

During this period, they have also finished on the podium five times reaching an impressive three Finals in 2005, 2007 and 2011 albeit losing to Nigeria, Mali and Angola respectively. 

In the thick of all this action were senior players like the 2009 and 2015 Most Valuable Player Aya Traore along with Oumoul Khairy Sarr, Fatou Dieng, Mame Diodio Diouf, Ndeye Sene, Mame Marie Sy and Bineta Diouf who won the title in 2009. 

It is this kind of experience that Senegal head coach Moustapha Gaye believes will come into play yet again in Bamako, Mali at the 2017 edition. 

A return to Mali will bring back some memories for Gaye's outfit as they finished second in 2011 losing to Angola in the Final. 

As always, their eyes will be on the trophy and they will look to go on an unbeaten streak as they did in 2009. 

Senegal have not been involved in qualifiers in recent times because they qualify automatically and as a way of compensating for this, they have already been to training camps in China and Paris. 

With one objective when they take to the court in Mali next week, it will be to defend their crown, something that they last did in 1993 when they won the title for a second consecutive time as they had done in 1990.

At the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2017, Senegal have been drawn in Group B along with Nigeria, Mozambique, Egypt, Guinea and Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Key Players: Aya Traore, the Most Valuable Player at the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2015, will be a core player for Senegal once again in their bid for the biggest trophy in women's basketball in Africa. 

Standing 6ft (1.83m) tall, she is an intimidating figure to come across on a basketball court and the statistics do not say otherwise. 

With an average of 7 points per game, she is the kind that every coach requires on a winning team, an all-rounder who delivers at crucial moments of a game and ultimately a tournament. 

Mame Marie Sy is another important piece to the Senegalese puzzle that shines light on their incredible journey as a powerhouse. 

The 36-year old is up to the challenge like never before. Those that come into the conquest with her age in mind do so at their own peril because indeed like wine, she improves with age. 

At 15.4 points per game, Astou Traore is the ultimate scoring machine, hardworking and dependable that her presence is an inspiration for her teammates, almost an assurance for victory. 

Rising Star: At the ripe age of 21, Aisha Sidibe is a promising talent who will represent an upcoming generation if she makes the final roster that will play in Bamako, Mali.

She came close to making the team that competed at the Rio 2016 Olympics but in the end was left out in favor of more experienced players. 

Outlook: As reigning champions, any team that takes Senegal for granted will be doing so at their own peril. They come into this edition stronger than before if their preparations are anything to go by. 

It is said that making it to the top can be difficult but staying there takes a lot more determination, commitment and hard work. 

However, they will face stiff challenge from Angola, Cameroon, hosts Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria and a stubborn youthful Egyptian side. 

Possible Outcome: It will not surprise many if Senegal defend their title. They look that strong. 

FIBA