DAKAR (AfroBasket Women 2015) - Moustapha Gaye, the head coach of Senegal's women's national team has announced his final 12-player squad for AfroBasket Women 2015 taking place from 24 September-3 October in Yaounde, Cameroon.

The Senegalese tactician said the group of players will compete in the All Africa Games in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, as part of their preparations for the biggest women's basketball tournament on the continent.

The core of this squad is made up of eight of the 12 players who featured for Senegal at AfroBasket Women 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique.

They are: Mame Marie Sy, Aya Traore, Ndeye Sene, Mame Diouf Diodio, Astou Traore, Maimouna Diarra, Fatou Dieng and Oumoul Khairy Thiam.

Oumou Kalsoum Toure, Sabelle Tening Diatta and Ramata Daou will be making their first appearance at AfroBasket Women.

To strengthen the team's inside game, Gaye has shortlisted Bineta Diouf who last appeared at an AfroBasket Women event in 2009 in Madagascar. She had a pivotal role as she averaged 5.8 rebounds per game and helped Senegal clinch their 10th continental title.

Senegal have not reached the top step of the podium ever since.

Two years ago, they fell short of reaching the Final following a painful 46-43 loss Semi-Final loss against Angola.

The Senegalese Basketball Federation have put Gaye back in charge of the team after he led them to the title in 2009.

This year's AfroBasket Women will serve as a qualifier for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Senegal are among the title countenders and have been drawn in Group B along with Angola, Guinea, Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria.

The winner of the tournament will secure automatic qualification for the Rio Games, while teams that finish second and third will compete in the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).

FIBA