AFCON 2017 Qualifiers: Mauritania Aim to Bounce Back Against South Africa
Mauritania will be seeking redemption in Nouakchott this Saturday as they host South Africa on matchday two of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
After narrowly losing 1-0 to Cameroon in Yaoundé back in June, the Mourabitounes are aiming to build on their encouraging display against one of the continent’s powerhouses. The result was seen as further proof of the team’s progress under French head coach Corentin Martins, who has been at the helm of a steady footballing rise over the past three years.
With ambitions of qualifying for their first-ever AFCON tournament, Mauritania hope to finish among the top two runners-up across the 13 groups — a path that could secure them a historic spot in Gabon 2017.
Martins has named a strong starting XI for the showdown against Bafana Bafana, including Adama Ba, the team’s creative spark, and Abdoul Ba, who plays for RC Lens in France.
Mauritania Starting XI:
Boubacar Salahdine – Aly Abeid, Moustapha Diaw, Mohamed Dellah, Oumar N’Diaye (c) – Abdoul Ba, Taghy Denna, Abdoulaye Silèye Gaye – Moulaye Khalil “Bessam”, Ismael Diakhité, Adama Ba
South Africa, meanwhile, will be looking to get their qualifying campaign back on track after a disappointing home draw against Gambia in their opening fixture. A win in Nouakchott is seen as essential if they are to challenge for top spot in Group M.
Kick-off at the Olympic Stadium is expected to draw a lively home crowd, as Mauritania look to continue their steady ascent on the African football scene.
