For only the third time ever, Mauritania will be in attendance at the AFCON finals and look to get out of the group stages for the first time in their history. As expected, Mauritania are way down on the odds list to win the whole thing, and as the 105th-ranked nation in the FIFA World Rankings, they have a lot to prove at this tournament.
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How did Mauritania qualify for AFCON 2023?
Aboubakar Kamara (pictured below) managed to secure the top goalscorer spot from Group I of the AFCON qualifiers, as the forward scored three times across the six games. This included a decisive finish against Gabon that secured qualification for them in the final game.
Kamara's first half goal that day meant his country ended up three points clear of Gabon in the final standings, while they were also three adrift of DR Congo in first place.
Mauritania AFCON 2023 Preview
Who will Mauritania play at AFCON 2023?
It's going to be a very tough task for Mauritania at AFCON 2023. The nation will have to likely get at least four points on the board and have the tough task of facing off against two teams in the top 60 of the FIFA World Rankings.
Algeria
Riyad Mahrez will captain his side at another AFCON, and his country are once again one of the favourites to win the whole thing.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso have looked significantly better in recent years and boast of impressive European-based players like Bertrand Traore.
Angola
If there is any side that Mauritania can defeat, it should be Angola. They are 12 places behind them in the FIFA World Rankings, although they also boast of some talent of their own, such as Helder Costa of Leeds United and Fiorentina's M'Bala Nzola.
How far will Mauritania go?
It would be an astonishing achievement if Mauritania were to get out of the group stages. They have never done so in their history, and with Algeria and Burkina Faso expected to finish in the top two spots, it's tough to see how Mauritania can get out of Group D.
Mauritania – Predicted AFCON 2023 XI
Goalkeeper
Namori Diaw os one of of the few players playing in his homeland, but with 25 caps for his country, he will feature once more at these finals.
Defence
Aly Abeid is the most-capped player in defence for Mauritania, and he is expected alongside his UTA Arad teammate, Abdoulkader Thiam. Hassan Houbeib and Lassana Diakhaby are expected in the full-back roles of what is a very inexperienced defensive setup for Mauritania.
Midfield
With nine goals in 54 caps, Moctar Sidi El Hacen is the top scorer from the last squad announcement for Mauritania, but he will also be joined by Bessam, who has four more goals than him. Almike N'Diaye should make up a midfield three for his country
Attack
With a weak midfield and an inexperienced defence, a lot of hope will be pinned on former Premier League man, Aboubakar Kamara, who has eight goals in 18 caps for Mauritania. Dawda Camara of the high-flying Girona over in La Liga will also likely come in here, alongside five-goal man, Mamadou Niass.
