Burkina Faso face stern Mauritania test after narrow CAN 2027 win

Burkina Faso must improve when they travel to Nouakchott for Tuesday’s return fixture against Mauritania, according to sports journalist and consultant Adama Salambere.

The Etalons claimed a narrow 1-0 victory in the first meeting on Friday 13 November, with Elohim Kabore scoring late in the game. But Salambere, who works for the Agence d’information du Burkina (AIB), believes the result has set up a much more difficult challenge in the second match.

Mauritania will be playing at home and are expected to be strongly motivated to respond in front of their own supporters. With every point important in the race for qualification from Group F, the pressure will be high on both sides.

“I expect a much more difficult match in Mauritania. We will be on their territory and they will do everything to get a result,” Salambere warned.

He pointed to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign as a reminder of the threat posed by Mauritania. During those qualifiers, the Mourabitounes proved to be a significant obstacle for Burkina Faso, and Salambere believes that previous experience should prevent the Etalons from underestimating their opponents.

The condition of the pitch at the stadium in Nouakchott is another concern. Salambere has questioned whether the playing surface will provide suitable conditions for an international fixture and said it would need to meet the required standards for the competition.

However, his main reservations relate to Burkina Faso’s performance in the opening match. Although the home side secured the win in Ouagadougou, Salambere believes the result should not conceal weaknesses in their overall display.

“They will have to double their efforts and rediscover the style of play associated with the Etalons if they are to get a result in Mauritania,” he said.

He expects the side coached by Amir Abdou to produce a more convincing performance in Nouakchott. Collective control, unity and commitment will be essential if Burkina Faso are to withstand the pressure from Mauritania and return with a positive result.

The victory in Ouagadougou gave the Etalons an important advantage in the CAN 2027 qualifiers. Tuesday’s trip, though, will provide a far more demanding examination, with Salambere insisting that Burkina Faso will need to show considerably more than they did in the first encounter if they are to continue their progress towards the tournament.