Rwanda head coach Cheikh Sarr has said that his team is ready to fight and bag the ticket at the forthcoming third window of the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 qualifiers slated for February 21-23 in Rabat, Morocco.

The team departed Kigali International Airport on Friday night heading to the Moroccan capital where they will spend nearly 12 days competing in Group C alongside Senegal, Cameroon, and Gabon.

Rwanda secured only one win in the second window of the qualifiers held in Dakar, Senegal, in November 2024, defeating Gabon 90-63 in Group C. The victory kept their qualification hopes alive after they suffered a major setback after losing two consecutive games against Senegal and Cameroon.

Speaking to Times Sport before their departure for Morocco, Sarr expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, although he acknowledged that adjustments are still needed in some areas especially boxing out, rebounding, and progression.

"We have two friendly games against Morocco on February 16 and 18. We are happy to get some players back, like Ntore Habimana and Axel Mpoyo, and even Bruno. So, the team is good. We have some issues on the paint, but we need to work on it,” Sarr said.

"Every team has a weakness, but we are working on that. So we expect the team to get better after the friendly games,” he added.

He called upon his men to stay focused, support each other, and put up a loud bench in order to motivate their teammates throughout the tournament.

Full Squad

Antino Alvarezes Jackson Jr, Ntore Habimana, Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, William Robeyns, Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba, Steven Hagumintwari, Axelle Mpoyo, Bruno Shema, Prince Muhizi, Cadeaux de Dieu Furaha, Osborn Shema, and Noah Bigirumwami.