Mauritania Reinstated in AFCON Qualifiers, Set to Face Uganda
Mauritania has been reinstated into the qualification campaign for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations after FIFA disqualified Equatorial Guinea for fielding an ineligible player. The decision has handed the Mourabitounes a second chance to continue their journey toward the continental tournament, which will be hosted by Morocco.
The Mauritanian national team will now take on Uganda in the next qualifying round, with the first leg set for Saturday, 19 July 2014, in Kampala. The match comes just days after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, with the final scheduled for 13 July.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the officiating team for the upcoming fixture. Rwandan referee Hudu Munyemana has been appointed to oversee the match. He will be assisted by compatriots Ndagijimana Theogene and Hakizimana Ambroise, who will serve as first and second assistant referees respectively. The fourth official, also from Rwanda, is Issa Kagabo.
CAF has named Ethiopian official Ambaw Yigzaw Bizuayehu as the match commissioner.
Mauritania’s unexpected reinstatement adds fresh intrigue to the qualifiers. The team will be aiming to seize this opportunity and build momentum as they seek to reach the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time in their history.
Uganda, meanwhile, will be looking to assert their dominance at home and avoid any upset from a Mauritanian side with renewed motivation.
The return leg is expected to be scheduled for early August, with the aggregate winner advancing to the next stage of qualifying.
