The sun-drenched Stade Bouake is about to witness an thrilling conflict as Burkina Faso and Mauritania kick off their Africa Cup of Nations Group D marketing campaign on Tuesday afternoon.
With Burkina Faso eyeing a return to the ultimate and Mauritania desirous to safe their first-ever event win, the stage is about for an intriguing battle.
Match Preview:
Burkina Faso has established themselves as contenders in latest AFCON editions, reaching the semi-finals or ultimate in three of the final 5 tournaments.
Nevertheless, after their spectacular run to the ultimate in 2013, they endured a group-stage exit in 2015 and missed out on the event altogether in 2019.
Below the steerage of skilled African soccer coach Hubert Velud, Burkina Faso goals to complete among the many high two in Group D, together with Algeria.
Their path to the event wasn’t with out challenges, however they managed to safe high spot within the qualifying group.
Regardless of some inside points throughout the soccer affiliation, the Stallions head into the event in good kind, profitable three of their final 5 matches, together with a 2-1 victory over DR Congo of their ultimate warm-up recreation.
Mauritania, then again, has certified for 3 consecutive AFCONs since 2019 however is but to safe a win on the event.
Nevertheless, their resilience and dedication have been evident of their qualification journey, overcoming powerful opponents like Sudan and Gabon.
The Lions of Chinguetti have made important progress each on and off the pitch, and coach Amir Abdou goals to information them past the group stage.
Whereas their latest goalless draw with Tunisia presents some encouragement, their lack of targets within the earlier three matches is a priority.
Nonetheless, Mauritania’s squad boasts proficient gamers like captain Aly Abeid and winger Aboubakary Koita, who has been in spectacular kind for Sint-Truiden.
Crew Information:
Burkina Faso’s coach Velud has named a squad of 27 gamers, with a number of anticipated to make their AFCON debut.
Aston Villa’s Bertrand Traore, who has scored 17 targets for his nation, shall be a key determine if he recovers from damage in time.
The partnership between Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara and Cedric Badolo shall be essential to Burkina Faso’s attacking prowess.
Coach Abdou has additionally introduced a 27-man squad for Mauritania, that includes notable names similar to midfielder Ibrahima Keita and winger Aboubakary Koita.
Captain Aly Abeid and former Guingamp defender Guessouma Fofana present expertise and stability to the group.
Koita, particularly, has been in fantastic kind, scoring 11 targets in simply 20 Jupiler Professional League appearances this season.
Attainable Lineups:
Burkina Faso: (4-4-2)
Konate;
Tapsoba, Dayo, Nagalo, Guiebre;
Blati Toure, Aziz Ki, Guira, Sangare;
Ouattara, Badolo
Mauritania: (4-3-3)
Niasse;
Keita, El Abd, N’Diaye, Abeid;
Gassama, Bouna, Thiam;
Mahmoud, Tanjy, Koita
Prediction: Burkina Faso 1-0 Mauritania
In what guarantees to be a tightly contested match, Burkina Faso’s expertise and superior firepower might give them the sting. Nevertheless, breaking down Mauritania’s resolute protection received’t be simple.