DAKAR (AfroBasket Women 2015) - Senegal international Astou Traore has accomplished some terrific individual achievements throughout her professional career, but there is something significantly important missing in her trophy cabinet.

And, coach Moustapha Gaye, who had previous stints with the Senegal national team and replaced Moussa Toure in November, is making sure to give Traore a chance of winning an African Championship.

So, when Gaye toured France and Spain earlier this month to meet with some foreign-based Senegalese players, Traore, who currently plays for Union Hainaut Basket in the French women's top flight and ranks fifth among all players in scoring (16.4 points per game), left the door open.

At the age of 34, Traore can have a final shot at an African continental championship, which will take place in Cameroon from 24 September to 4 October.

Senegal currently ranks as the most successful African nation with 10 AfroBasket Women titles.

When they won the last of those 10 titles, in 2009 in Madagascar, Traore was not with the team.

But she has never hidden her dream of lifting Africa's most prestigious women's basketball trophy.

A couple of years ago, in Maputo, Mozambique, Senegal were well positioned to battle for the AfroBasket Women 2013 title, when they faced then reigning champions Angola in the Semi-Finals.

Despite her team-high 15 points, Traore was left devastated as Senegal fell short 46-43.

Senegal players and coaching staff could not believe how Angolan ace Nacissela Mauricio hit two three-pointers in the final minutes to change the course of the game.

The Angolans went on to qualify for the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women, while Mame Marie Sy rescued Senegal with a buzzer-beating three-pointer to help Senegal beat Cameroon 56-53 in the Third-Place Game.

Traore ranked second among all players in scoring (16.4 points) and headlined the All-Tournament Team along with Mauricio, Ramses Lonlack of Cameroon and Mozambique's duo of Leia Dongue and Deolinda Ngulela.

Gaye and his players now talk about regrouping and respect opponents.

[Our] women's national basketball team is no longer the best team in Africa - Gaye

Gaye added they need to "Respect other teams such as Angola, Mozambique, Cameroon and Mali."

About his visit to France, Gaye said he met with Aida Fall, Astou Traore, Oumou Toure, Aminata Diop, Nar Awa, Gueye Marieme Dia and Mame Marie Sy.

And Traore could play a leading role when Gaye gather his team in preparations for this summer All-African Games 2015 as well as AfroBasket Women.

According to Gaye, Senegal will play a three-day preparation tournament in Romania from 20-24 May.

FIBA