VACOAS-PHOENIX (FIBA U16 African Championship 2017) – The FIBA U16 African Championship 2017 is set to get underway following the official draw which took place on Wednesday night.

In the opening game of the tournament, on Thursday, July 13, Tunisia will open their Group A campaign taking on Mali - who finished runners-up two years ago. The game will start 11:15 am (local time).

Mali are wary of the challenge of facing an ambitious Tunisian side, yet head coach Mamoutou Konate remains optimistic.

"We came here with an immense sense of humility," he said. "We still remember how bad we felt after losing the title game in front of our home fans two years ago. This time round, we need to do the job, and it will mean so much for our people,” the play caller explained.

In the second game of the day, Rwanda will go up against Algeria in the Group B's opener. 

Meanwhile, defending champions Egypt will open their Group B campaign facing Madagascar. with their eyes set on the continental title.

Egypt, the highest ranked African nation, have set their sights on the continental title once again.  We are in Mauritius with the conviction that we can win the title again”, head coach Fady Hany told FIBA.basketball after the draw.

The Pharaohs are chasing their fourth title in the competition history, prompting coach Hany to say:''Egypt have been regulars to the FIBA U16 African Championship Final Round, with wins in 2009, 2011 and 2015, and a silver medal in 2013. We are here to make it four.”

Hosts Mauritius, who are also making their debut the event, will face Mozambique.

The most anticipated contest for locals will follow the Opening Ceremony, which is scheduled for 6 pm local time.

The islanders will compete along with continental powerhouses Mali and Tunisia in Group A.

Jean-Paul Rebatet, the Technical Director of the Mauritius Basketball Federation, is optimistic about the boys getting a good run.

"Every team in our group is a title contender. We need to make the most out of each in every game,” Rebatet explained to FIBA.basketball.

He is, however, convinced that the boys will go for the best possible result and show skills and techniques. "The boys will play their best basketball”, he promised.

FIBA