RADES (AfroBasket 2015) - Zimbabwe's first-ever appearance in Africa's premier basketball tournament is just the beginning of something special.

And, judging by their first-half performance against Algeria in Thursday's AfroBasket 2015 action, it becomes clear why the Southern Africans remain positive.

They led Algeria by nine points, trailed by two at half-time, but eventually conceded a 86-67 defeat.

"We play this game with heart," Eric Banda told FIBA.com.

It is not about the money. It’s because we love the game. -Banda

Both Tatenda Maturere and Vitalis Chikoko led the Zimbabweans with 14 points apiece, and Banda added 6 points.

However, it is the future that matters for the Zimbabweans.

"It's been a good experience for us. Coming here with a lot of young guys, we are hoping to continue playing hard," Banda pointed out.

Zimbabwe qualified for the tournament following a successful Africa Zone 5 qualifier.

Their expectations at Tunisia 2015, Banda says, will help the growth of basketball in the country.

"I feel this is the beginning of something special," he noted.

"If you look at us, we are all amateurs basketball players.

"All of us go to school after working hours.

"Hopefully with time, we can get professional like Angola and Mozambique.

"For us, we are underdogs, and it means less pressure for us. We are here to play a war." 

Zimbabwean fans show their support for their team at AfroBasket 2015

Banda, who represented Mozambique outfit Maxaquene at the 2010 Africa Champions Cup, feels playing at AfroBasket 2015 is bigger than anything he's done before.

"I have been to big stages, but for me AfroBasket is something I wanted in my whole life," he said.

"It is my last tournament and my last duty for the nation. I feel honoured to be part of this team and I hope I can take the team to a good tournament."

Zimbabwe will resume their Group D action taking on Cote d'Ivoire on Saturday.