RWANDA and Mexico will serve as battlegrounds for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pre-qualifiers (19 September -25 September) in the coming days. African countries Mozambique, Mali, Senegal, and Rwanda are part of 16 teams vying for a spot in the next round of qualifiers.
Mozambique and Mali are in Mexico for their qualifying leg, while Senegal travel to Rwanda in their bid to stake their claim for a spot in the next round.
In this article, The Big Tip Off offers a preview of each African team, highlighting their strengths, key players, and the crucial games that could shape their World Cup aspirations.
Team Profiles:
Mali
The West African nation has the potential to live up to its promise in the FIBA World Cup Pre-Qualifying tournaments. Historically significant in African basketball, Mali’s recent endeavours highlight their resilience and potential.
Star Player: Is Maïmouna Haïdara ready to grab the mantle of star for her country? The Spain-based forward has been a star in world and continental youth tournaments for Mali – while she’s already graduated to the seniors, she’s yet to set that scene alight. Can Haidara lead Mali’s charge in Mexico?
Recent Performance: Mali’s recent performance includes a challenging 2022 World Cup campaign, where they ended with a 0-5 record. However, their solid showing in the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket, where they reached the quarterfinals, indicates a team capable of competitive play.
Pivotal Game: The match against Czechia (Czech Republic) will be crucial for Mali. Both teams are similarly ranked, and this game could be a determining factor in advancing to the World Cup.
Group A match-ups: Mali will face Korea, Czechia, and Venezuela. The game against Czechia will be particularly significant for determining their advancement.
Outlook: A young Haidara is leading a new core of Mali players who face a stiff challenge in their group. Success in their game against Czechia will be crucial to their advancement.
Mozambique
Mozambique is making strides after a strong performance in recent competitions. Their previous World Cup appearance (in 2014) and solid showing in the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket highlight their competitive edge.
Star Player: Tamara Seda is Mozambique’s key player – she averaged 19.2 points and 11.8 rebounds at AfroBasket. Her dominant presence in the paint will be crucial for Mozambique.
Recent Performance: Mozambique’s impressive 5th-place finish at the 2023 FIBA AfroBasket underscores their potential. Seda’s performance and the team’s overall competitiveness positions them well for the upcoming tournaments.
Pivotal Game: The battle against New Zealand is critical. Only a victory will do for Mozambique against the Kiwis, who had a strong showing at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup.
Group B match-ups: Mozambique will compete against Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, and Korea. The game against New Zealand could be a vital factor in their qualification.
Outlook: The Southern African nation’s success will depend on leveraging its recent form and the impact of Tamara Seda. The game against New Zealand will be a significant determinant of their advancement.
Senegal
The Lionesses have a talented roster and will aim to make an impact in the World Cup Pre-Qualifying tournaments.
Star Player: Cierra Dillard was a 2023 AfroBasket All-Star and a standout player for Senegal. Her skills and experience will be essential for the team’s campaign. Dillard averaged 14.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game during AfroBasket, providing valuable scoring and playmaking for the team.
Recent Performance: Senegal’s success includes a silver medal at the 2023 African Championship. With Otis Hughley Jr, who led Nigeria to past AfroBasket victories, at the helm, Senegal has positioned itself for a strong showing.
Pivotal Game: The game against Hungary will be a major test. Both teams are top contenders, and this clash will be crucial in determining the top positions in their group.
Group C match-ups: Senegal will face Brazil, Hungary, and the Philippines. The game against Hungary could lead to Senegal securing the top position.
Outlook: With a strong roster and recent success, Senegal is a leading contender.
Rwanda
As hosts of the tournament, Rwanda’s women’s basketball team is looking to build on their recent successes and make an impact on home soil.
Star Player: Bella Murekatete is Rwanda’s key player. The first Rwandan woman to play NCAA Division I basketball, Murekatete has a notable college career, becoming Washington State University’s all-time leader in rebounds and blocks. Her defensive prowess and ability to score in the paint will be crucial for Rwanda’s performance.
Recent Performance: Rwanda’s fourth-place finish at the 2023 AfroBasket highlights their potential. Hosting the qualifiers and local support is a plus for the East Africans.
Pivotal Game: The impact of the home crowd at the BK Arena could be decisive. Rwanda’s local fans have been a factor in past events, and their support will be crucial in the qualifiers.
Group D match-ups: Rwanda will compete against Great Britain, Argentina, and Lebanon. Leveraging home support will be essential for advancing.
Outlook: Rwanda’s chances will depend on its ability to harness home support and build on recent performances. Strong showings in their group games will be key to advancing to the next stage.
Each team brings its strengths, challenges, and aspirations to the table. Mozambique’s Tamara Seda will look to dominate the paint, Mali’s Sika Koné aims to leverage her WNBA experience, Senegal’s Cierra Dillard seeks to continue her strong form, and Rwanda’s Bella Murekatete hopes to make a significant impact on home soil.
With each tournament featuring intense match-ups and high stakes, these teams will battle not only for a spot in the World Cup Qualifying Tournaments but also to showcase their growth and potential on the global stage. The results from these pre-qualifying rounds will influence their immediate futures and reflect the broader evolution of women’s basketball in Africa.
The road to Berlin promises to be exciting, with these African teams poised to make a mark and possibly secure their places in the next stage of the World Cup journey.
