Mauritania, with only two previous Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearances, are determined to leave a lasting impression in the upcoming tournament.
Making their debut in 2019, the Lions of Chinguetti faced tough opposition and exited in the group stage.
Their inaugural AFCON journey included a challenging start with a 4-1 defeat to Mali, followed by goalless draws against Angola and Tunisia, earning them two points but placing them at the bottom of the standings.
In their subsequent attempt to advance further in the tournament, Mauritania found themselves drawn against Tunisia and Mali once again, along with Gambia. Unfortunately, they couldn’t secure a victory in any of the three matches and failed to score a single goal, resulting in their exit.
As they approach the 2023 AFCON, the Lions of Chinguetti are eager to make a stronger impact and surpass the group stage. Despite being grouped with formidable opponents like Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Angola, Mauritania are determined to defy the odds and make their mark in the continental competition.
2023 AFCON Matches:
- 16 January 2024: Burkina Faso vs Mauritania
- 20 January 2024: Mauritania vs Angola
- 23 January 2024: Mauritania vs Algeria
Key Players to Watch:
- Aboubakar Kamara (Captain): The 28-year-old captain, currently playing for Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates, has remarkably scored seven goals in 18 appearances for the Lions of Chinguetti.
- Bessam (Cheikh El Khalil Moulaye Ahmed): At 36, the FC Nouadhibou midfielder is the current all-time top scorer with 13 goals. Bessam has a diverse playing history, contributing to several clubs in Africa and beyond.
- Yali Dellahi: At 26, the midfielder from Al-Hedod SC stands out as one of the most experienced players in the Mauritanian national team, already amassing a remarkable 65 appearances.
Coach Amir Abdou:
Coach Amir Abdou is on a mission to establish a legacy for himself as a manager capable of orchestrating surprises with underdog teams, aiming to lead Mauritania to upset formidable opponents in the upcoming AFCON.
Appearances so far: 2
Best Results: Group stage in 2019 and 2021
Most capped player: Souleymane Diallo with 76 appearances
Captain: Aboubakar Kamara
Top scorer: Bessam with 13 goals in 66 appearances
The AFCON tournament will start on January 13, 2024 and conclude on February 11.