Burkina Faso face Mauritania with chance to move top of CAN 2027 qualifying group

Burkina Faso can strengthen their position in Group F of the CAN 2027 qualifiers when they host Mauritania on Friday.

The Etalons would move level with leaders Benin with victory at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou, while a win would leave Mauritania four points behind them.

Benin’s 4-1 victory over Central African Republic on Thursday has increased the importance of the match for Burkina Faso, who are aiming to take advantage of the result and create separation from one of their main rivals.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 local time in Burkina Faso and Mauritania (GMT), with the match beginning at 17:00 in France. RTB is expected to show the game in Burkina Faso, while Canal+ Afrique will broadcast it on the Sport 1 channel. No broadcaster has been announced in France.

Burkina Faso international Lohann Doucet has spoken to AF ahead of the match against Mauritania.

Amir Abdou’s side made an uneven start to their qualifying campaign. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Benin at home on 25 September, before securing a 1-0 win over Central African Republic in Morocco three days later.

Mauritania began their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Central African Republic, but then lost 2-1 to Benin. With three points from their opening two games, the Mourabitounes need a positive result to prevent their two main competitors from pulling away.

Burkina Faso recall Dayo

For the two matches against Mauritania, Abdou has named a 25-player squad featuring several returning players.

The most notable inclusion is Issoufou Dayo. The 35-year-old Wydad centre-back has reversed his decision to retire from international football, which he announced after the last CAN.

Josue Tiendrebeogo has also returned to the squad, while Sacha Banse is back after several months out with injury.

Abdou can call on several established players, including Edmond Tapsoba, Issa Kabore, Dango Ouattara and Herve Koffi. Bertrand Traore, however, has not been selected as he continues to look for regular playing time at Wolverhampton.

There has also been a change among the goalkeepers. Sofiane Farid Ouedraogo has been called up to replace Kilian Nikiema, who withdrew because of injury.

Mauritania will look to Aboubakary Koita as their main attacking threat. The AEK Athens forward scored and provided an assist against Real Madrid in the Champions League on 4 November, although his side lost 3-2.

The fixture will also reunite Abdou with Mauritania, whom he managed between 2022 and 2024. The Comorian coach guided the Mourabitounes to the last 16 of CAN 2023, but his familiarity with the opposition will not lessen the importance of the contest.