Burkina Faso and Mauritania prepare for crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Burkina Faso will host Mauritania on Friday, 13 November, in the third round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with both sides seeking a positive result in Group F.

The match is expected to feature several familiar names, with Burkina Faso set to rely on a competitive starting XI. Herve Koffi is tipped to begin in goal, while Edmond Tapsoba and Nasser Djiga are expected to form the central defensive pairing.

Sacha Banse is likely to anchor the midfield alongside Ismahila Ouedraogo and Lohann Doucet. In attack, Dango Ouattara and Lassina Traore are both expected to feature, with Cyriaque Irie also included in the predicted line-up.

Charles Kabore has called for “personality and heart” from Burkina Faso against Mauritania.

Burkina Faso’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Herve Koffi

Defenders: Arsene Kouassi, Nasser Djiga, Edmond Tapsoba, Arthur Zagre

Midfielders: Ismahila Ouedraogo, Lohann Doucet, Sacha Banse

Forwards: Dango Ouattara, Cyriaque Irie, Lassina Traore

Mauritania are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Mamadou Diop is the predicted goalkeeper, with Ali Diadie, Lamine Ba, Jordan Lefort and Khadim Diaw forming the defensive line.

Abdallahi Mahmoud and Oumar Ngom are expected to operate as the two deeper midfielders. Djeidi Gassama, Mouhsine Bodda and Aboubakary Koita are listed in the more advanced midfield roles, with Dawda Camara leading the attack.

Mauritania’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Mamadou Diop

Defenders: Ali Diadie, Lamine Ba, Jordan Lefort, Khadim Diaw

Midfielders: Abdallahi Mahmoud, Oumar Ngom, Djeidi Gassama, Mouhsine Bodda, Aboubakary Koita

Centre-forward: Dawda Camara

The Group F fixture is the third qualifying match for both national teams as they continue their campaigns for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The pre-match odds listed Burkina Faso as favourites at 1.53. A draw was priced at 3.72, while a Mauritania victory was given odds of 6.37.