Burkina Faso and Mauritania go head-to-head today at Stade de la Paix in Bouake, in the second Group D match, with both be aiming for their first victory of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023
In the earlier Group D fixture, Algeria and Angola played to a 1-1 draw, leaving all teams level on 1 point after the first round of matches.
Burkina Faso has an impressive AFCON record in recent editions and will be hoping to recapture that form. The Stallions finished third in 2017, reached the semifinals last edition where they lost 5:3 on penalties to hosts Cameroon after 3:3 in regulation time, and had their best ever finish as runners-up in 2013 when they lost 1-0 to Nigeria in the final.
With talented players like Bertrand Traore, Gustavo Sangare and goalkeeper Herve Koffi, Burkina Faso has the quality to aim for another deep run.
Mauritania is appearing in their third straight AFCON tournament, an impressive achievement for the North African nation. Having never advanced from the group stage, the Lions of Chinguetti are determined to create history this time around.
With the top two teams in Group D likely to come from Burkina Faso, Algeria and Angola, this match presents a great opportunity for early claim for the top spot as a positive result for either side would put them in a strong position to progress to the round of 16.
While not one of the tournament favorites, Mauritania has shown steady progress and believes they can compete with the established African powers. Backed by a passionate fan base, they will be roaring on their underdog team to pull off an upset against experienced Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso Team
The Stallions boasts a talented squad of local and European-based players. Led by captain Bertrand Traore, they’ll be hoping to match or better their semifinal run from the last AFCON edition.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Herve Koffi, Hillel Konate, Kilian Nikiema, Sebastien Tou
Defenders: Issa Kabore, Steeve Yago, Issoufou Dayo, Nasser Djiga, Edmond Tapsoba, Adamo Nagalo, Abdoul Guiebre, Valentin Nouma
Midfielders: Blati Toure, Adama Guira, Dramane Salou, Ismahila Ouedraogo, Sacha Banse, Gustavo Sangare, Stephane Aziz Ki
Forwards: Bertrand Traore, Dango Ouattara, Mamady Alex Bangre, Djibril Ouattara, Hassane Bande, Mohamed Konate, Abdoul Tapsoba, Cedric Badolo
Captained by Bertrand Traore, Burkina Faso will be hoping to match or better their semifinal run from the last AFCON edition. With a squad blended with youth and experience, the Stallions have the quality to go far.
Mauritania Team
Mauritania’s recent success has come from recruiting players from abroad who are eligible to represent the country. Although seven squad members still play domestically, some key players ply their trade in Europe.
Captain Aboubakar Kamara once played for Fulham and has gained experience across Africa. Attacker Hemeya Tanjy has impressed lately not just as a goal scorer but also with his playmaking abilities.
Alongside the captain and Tanjy, players based in France and Belgium bring valuable experience that could help Mauritania finally advance from the AFCON group stage.
The Lions of Chinguetti have never advanced past the group stage in two previous AFCON appearances. But with players plying their trade across Europe, they are hopeful of creating history this time.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Babacar Niasse, Namori Diaw, Mbacke N’Diaye
Defenders: Lamine Ba, Dellah Yali, El Hassen Houeibib, Nouh Mohamed El Abd, Bakary N’Diaye, Khadim Diaw, Aly Abeid, Ibrahima Keita
Midfielders: Guessouma Fofana, Bodda Mouhsine, Oumar Ngom, Omare Gassama, Bakari Camara, Sidi Ahmed Mohamed El Abd, El Hadji Ba, Yassin El Welly
Forwards: Hemeya Tanjy, Aboubakar Kamara, Souleymane Anne, Aboubakary Koita, Pape Ibnou Ba, Souleymane Doukara, Idrissa Thiam, Sidi Bouna Amar
The match will kick off at 2:00 GMT at the Peace Bouake Stadium.
A win today for either nation would put them in pole position to progress from Group D into the knockout rounds. Both will be hungry for the victory that could make history for their country.
