FIBA-Africa has selected Angola as the new host of the g 2017 AfroBasket, which is scheduled for August 19-30, replacing the Republic of Congo. This comes after the Republic of Congo pulled out of hosting Africa’s flagship basketball competition, citing logistical issues. The decision on the new host was arrived at in a meeting in Bamako on Friday between the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB) and the FIBA Africa board. This will be the fourth time that the Southern African nation will be hosting the biennial event after 1989, 1999 and 2007. A total of 16 teams have been confirmed to participate in the competition—they include; reigning champions Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Mali, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Uganda, Mozambique, South Africa and hosts Angola. Rwanda and Guinea received wildcards to participate and now an additional country will be invited to replace the Republic of Congo. Rwanda had failed to seal automatic qualification after losing to Uganda in the semi-finals of Zone V Championship that took place in Egypt last month. The draw for finals tournament will take place later this month. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
