After all the adversities already faced, a new complication arose: the last-minute withdrawal of center Tamara Seda, from the Spanish team Araski Basket, which leaves the team with only 11 players for the competition.
The athlete, who had been included in the final roster submitted to FIBA, cited personal issues and left the team on Saturday, preventing a replacement due to competition rules. As a result, the 11 players heading to Mexico are: Célia Sumbana, Delma Zita, Chanaya Pinto, Eleutéria Lhavanguana, Nilza Chiziane, Vilma Covane, Carla Covane, Odélia Mafanela, Stefânia Chiziane, Sílvia Veloso, and Inguivild Mucauro.
This setback adds to the difficulties already faced by the national team, which, despite overcoming challenges at the national level to secure its place in the tournament, continues to face setbacks. The team has already landed in the Mexican capital and, after a long journey without adequate rest, will face the host nation, Mexico, in its opening match.
The team's journey has been tumultuous, with the delegation split into two groups due to late ticketing, and now Tamara Seda's absence adds a new layer of complexity. The team will have to overcome the disadvantage of competing with a reduced number of players, fighting to secure a spot in the semifinals and achieve the ultimate goal of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Germany.
