Burkina Faso aim to strengthen AFCON 2027 challenge against Mauritania

Burkina Faso host Mauritania at the Stade du 4-Aout on Friday, 13 November 2026, with both sides separated by one point in a tightly contested Group F. Victory in the third round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying would move either team temporarily top of the section.

Burkina Faso have qualified for eight of the past nine Africa Cup of Nations finals and currently have four points. They opened their campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Benin before winning 1-0 away to Central African Republic.

Moussa Sanogo’s side will be looking to respond after suffering a 7-0 friendly defeat by Argentina in October. It was the heaviest loss in the country’s history, matching the 1981 setback against Algeria.

The Stallions have not lost an official home match for almost 10 years and are targeting a result that would put them in control of the group, or at least keep them close to Benin. They have also won their past three meetings with Mauritania, including their most recent encounter in the group stage of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Another victory would give Burkina Faso successive competitive wins for the first time since December 2025.

Mauritania’s recent progress was halted by a 2-1 defeat against Benin. The Lions of Chinguetti had made strong starts to qualifying campaigns since 2015 and had beaten Central African Republic 1-0 in September. The loss to Benin ended a three-match unbeaten run.

Aritz Lopez Garai’s transition into the senior role has proved difficult so far. The former Under-20 coach has recorded five wins in 19 matches.

Mauritania have scored after the 80th minute in each of their past five games, highlighting their ability to finish strongly. However, they have conceded the opening goal in six of their past eight matches. Having missed the last edition, they must win away in qualifying for the first time since June 2023 if they are to improve their chances of reaching the tournament.

Burkina Faso’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying form is draw, win; their overall form is draw, defeat, draw, defeat, win, defeat. Mauritania’s qualifying form is win, defeat, while their overall sequence is defeat, defeat, defeat, win, win, defeat.

Mohamed Ouedraogo is unavailable because of injury, while Issa Kabore is expected to play despite a minor problem sustained with Wrexham. Centre-back Issoufou Dayo has made a surprise return after announcing his international retirement in January following the Africa Cup of Nations.

For Mauritania, Abderrahmane Sarr and Guessouma Fofana return to the squad for the first time since March. AEK Athens forward Aboubakary Koita, who has scored two goals and provided two assists in his past four club matches, is expected to be the visitors’ main attacking threat.

The match is listed with Burkina Faso at 1.55 to win, both teams to score at 2.30 and more than 2.5 goals at 2.20. The predicted score is a 2-1 Burkina Faso victory, available at 8.00 with Betclic.