Burkina Faso welcome Mauritania with Sacha Banse tipped to start in 2027 AFCON qualifier

Burkina Faso face Mauritania at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou on Friday, 13 November 2026, in the third round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Etalons are second in Group F with four points and need victory to remain within reach of leaders Benin, who have seven points. Mauritania are third with three points.

Sacha Banse could return to the Burkina Faso starting line-up after a lengthy absence because of injury. The midfielder is expected to operate alongside Ismahila Ouedraogo and Lohann Doucet in the centre of the pitch.

Herve Koffi is likely to start in goal, with Arsene Kouassi, Nasser Djiga, Edmond Tapsoba and Arthur Zagre forming the defence.

Lassina Traore could lead the attack, supported by Dango Ouattara and Cyriaque Irie.

Mauritania are expected to name Mamadou Diop in goal. Ali Diadie, Lamine Ba, Jordan Lefort and Khadim Diaw are the likely defenders, while Abdallahi Mahmoud and Oumar Ngom could line up in midfield.

Djeidi Gassama, Mouhsine Bodda and Aboubakary Koita are tipped to play behind Dawda Camara, who is expected to operate as the visitors’ main striker.

The possible return of Banse, alongside Issoufou Dayo, gives Burkina Faso manager Amir Abdou further selection options for the match.

Both teams’ starting line-ups remain subject to official confirmation.