Mauritania Prepares for Final AFCON 2019 Qualifiers with 24-Man Squad
Having already secured qualification for the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, Mauritania is now turning its attention to preparation and fine-tuning for the upcoming tournament. National team coach Corentin Martins has announced a 24-man squad for the nation’s final qualifying match and a friendly, blending experienced players with a few new faces.
The Mourabitounes will first face Burkina Faso on March 22 in the 6th and final day of the AFCON 2019 qualifiers, followed by a friendly against Ghana in Accra on March 26. With qualification already secured, these matches provide an opportunity to experiment with new tactical setups and integrate emerging talent ahead of the continental competition.
Among the newcomers is Ibrehima Coulibaly, a midfielder from Grenoble Foot 38 in France, who could add depth to the team’s midfield. Martins’ selection largely reflects the core of the squad that achieved qualification, maintaining continuity while offering a chance for younger players to impress at the international level.
The squad features three goalkeepers: Souleimane Brahim of FC Nouadhibou, Boubacar Salahdin of FC Tevragh-Zeïna, and Babacar Diop of AS Police, ensuring stability and competition in a key position.
In defense, Mauritania retains a strong mix of domestic and Europe-based players. Bakary N’Diaye of Difaâ Hassani d’El Jadida (Morocco) and Saly Sarr of Servette FC (Switzerland) provide experience at the back. Meanwhile, young talents like Harouna Abou Demba (Grenoble, France), Issa Samba (AJ Auxerre, France), and Aly Abeid (Deportiva Alcorcón, Spain) offer versatility and technical skill to complement the defensive lineup. The squad also includes El Mostapha Diaw (Nouakchott Kings) and Abdelkader Thiam (US Orléans, France), completing a well-rounded defensive unit.
In midfield, Martins relies on a combination of tactical intelligence and creativity. Hassen El Id (Real Valladolid, Spain) and Khassa Camara (AO Xanthi, Greece) anchor the midfield, while Mohamed Dellah Yali (DRB Tadjenanet, Algeria) and Dialo Guidilèye (Elazığspor, Turkey) add attacking impetus. Alongside them, Abdoulaye Gaye (FC Nouadhibou), Alassane Diop (Hajer FC, Saudi Arabia), and newcomer Ibrehima Coulibaly bring energy, versatility, and the potential to influence both ends of the pitch.
Up front, the team’s attack is led by a mix of domestic and foreign-based forwards, including Adama Ba (Giresunspor, Turkey), Ismail Diakhité (US Tataouine, Tunisia), and Amadou Niass (Salam Zgharta, Lebanon). Other striking options include Khalil Moulay Ahmed Bessam (AS Gabès, Tunisia), Mohamed Abdallahi Soudani (DRB Tadjenanet, Algeria), Hemeye Tanji (FC Nouadhibou), and Souleymane Anne (FC Aurillac Arpajon CA, France). This depth allows Mauritania to rotate effectively and experiment with attacking combinations ahead of AFCON 2019.
With this squad, Mauritania aims not only to maintain its momentum from qualification but also to provide valuable match experience for emerging players, ensuring the team is fully prepared for Egypt 2019. Coach Martins has emphasized a balance between tactical discipline, attacking ambition, and team cohesion, signaling Mauritania’s intent to make a strong impact in the tournament.
