The Central African Republic will be granted a wildcard to compete at this year's Women's AfroBasket ©FIBA

Central African Republic has been granted a wildcard to compete at this year's Women's AfroBasket, it has been announced. 

The competition is due to take place in Mali's capital city of Bamako between August 18 and 27. 

The Central African Republic's inclusion has now confirmed the 12 teams that will compete.

They will compete in Group A along with hosts Mali, Cameroon, Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Angola.

Group B consists of reigning champions Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique.

The group stage will be played in a round robin format, with every team playing five matches.

Senegal won the 2015 edition of the event in Yaounde ©FIBA
Senegal won the 2015 edition of the event in Yaounde ©FIBA

The top four teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds, which will begin in the quarter-finals.

The bronze medal match and final are due to bring the event to a close at the Palais des Sports Salamatou Maiga on August 27.

The top two teams will qualify for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in 2018.

Senegal and Angola have dominated the AfroBasket in recent years.

As well as winning two years ago, Senegal were also victorious in 2009.

Angola, meanwhile, won back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2013.