All is now set for the 2017 FIBA Africa Champions Cup in Rades,Tunisia. 12 teams participating at the tournament have been divided into two groups of six.
The first phase of the tournament will be played in a round robin format, with every team taking on its five opponents in its respective group. The best four teams from each group will progress to the quarter-finals.The second phase of the tournament will be played in a knockout format from the quarter-finals to the final.
In group A, one of Nigeria’s and zone 3 representatives, Kano Pillars will slug it out with 2014 runners up and host, Etoile Sportive Rades, New Generation (Congo DPR), City Oilers (Uganda), InterClube de Luanda (Angola) and 2016 bronze winners, Association Sportive Sale (Morroco) while Gombe Bulls face tough competition from 2014 champions and last year’s finalists, Sport Libolo of Angola, AS Mazembe (Congo DPR), Union Sportive Monastirienne of Tunisia and Groupment Sportive Petroliers ( Algeria) in Group B.
In a repeat of last year’s bronze medal match, Kano Pillars will faceoff against AS Sale of Morocco in the opening game at 9am on Monday. Pillars will have their work cut out against the Moroccans after losing all four quarters and eventually losing 76-88 points last year.
For Gombe Bulls, they play the last game of the opening round against Union Sportive Monastirienne of Tunisia. The debutants will play against USM who benefited from a FIBA Africa wild card after missing out on automatic qualification from zone 1.
FIBA Africa Champions Cup 2017 will run from Monday, December 11-20 with all games scheduled to take place at the majestic Salle Omnisport de Rades, Tunisia.
