The Mauritanian Football Federation confirmed their national team’s schedule on Monday spanning from December training through to Africa Cup of Nations group matches.
Manager Amir Abdou called up 27 players ahead of a Nouakchott-based training camp from 27-31 December marking phase one of their preparation plans.
The squad will relocate to Tunisia on New Year’s Eve for phase two incorporating a friendly against the home nation on January 6th.
Abdou’s side then depart for their AFCON base in Bouaké, Ivory Coast five days later to acclimatise before opening Group D fixtures.
Mauritania launch their latest bid for a first ever AFCON finals victory against highly-fancied Burkina Faso on 17th January.
Further Group D matches against Tunisia and Ethiopia follow for the Mourabitounes who are based domestically apart from Belgian-based striker Aboubakary Koi.
After disappointing early exists in two previous tournament appearances, Mauritania’s pre-AFCON schedule aims building cohesion and confidence levels.
The two training camps sandwiching the Tunisia friendly represent valuable opportunities for tactical fine-tuning and squad bonding.
“I expect maximum effort and focus during this important time together before travelling to Ivory Coast,” stated manager Abdou, who expects vast improvements.
“We must display more quality and resilience to take the next step at international level.”
With a balanced group and strong domestic core, Mauritania hopes ending a seven-match AFCON finals winless streak in a landmark tournament for the unheralded west African nation.
