Algeria will look to cement their place in the knockout stages when they face Mauritiana on Tuesday. The goal of the Lions of Chinguetti is in the top position among the top three teams. The North African heavyweights want to avoid losing in the group stages for the second time in a row. They will view this match as a must-win.
Preview (Mauritania vs. Algeria)
Mauritania’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations group stage is imminent once again after they were defeated 3-2 by Angola in their match on Saturday. A brace from Gelson Dala and Gilberto’s goal in the 53rd minute saw Angola go top of the group. It prolonged Mauritania’s appalling AFCON record. This came after the Stallions’ incredible tournament debut, a 1-0 loss to Burkina Faso. Aston Villa striker Bertrand Traore scored a stoppage-time penalty to give the team the lead.
With two draws and six losses, including five straight losses in their previous five games, Mauritania has yet to experience victory in any of its eight Africa Cup of Nations contests. Additionally, since their 4-1 loss to Mali in their AFCON debut in June 2019, Amir Abdou’s team has failed to score in seven consecutive AFCON games. The Lions of Chinguetti ranked 105th in the world. They are one of just three teams, along with Guinea-Bissau and Gambia, who have not yet gained any points.
Although Mauritania would not automatically advance to the knockout stages, a win on Tuesday will allow them to advance as one of the top three-placed teams to the next round of the competition. But with a -2 goal differential and a dismal track record against Tuesday’s opponents—who have won five of their past six encounters and drawn one since March 1985—their chances seem slim. Algeria is in a familiar position and under pressure to avoid back-to-back group-stage exits for the first time.
Team News
Abubakar Kamara had to leave the group match against Burkina Faso in the 28th minute due to an injury. He was cleared to play as a replacement on Saturday against Angola. We anticipate that the former Fulham player will make his way back into the starting lineup. The 25-year-old attacker Bouna and the Sint-Truidense player Koita should join him in the Lions of Chinguetti’s attack. In the midfield, we anticipate Omare Gassama, Guessouma Fofana, and 29-year-old Bodda Mouhsine. Abdou should start an identical back four with Ibrahima Keita, Nouh Mohamed El Abd, Lamamine Ba, and captain Aly Abeid at the defensive end to protect Guingamp goalkeeper Babacar Niasse in goal.
We anticipate the 32-year-old to lead the Desert Warriors’ assault once more after carrying most of Algeria’s scoring burden alone during the AFCON. Bounedjah netted all three of Algeria’s goals in the competition. The Al-Sadd forward has now contributed to 16 goals in his previous 15 club and national game appearances. Riyad Mahrez, a former winger for Manchester City, has had an unusually quiet tournament. With 31 goals for his country, good for third all-time, the 32-year-old will be someone to watch.
Mauritania 0-2 Algeria
For more football previews, click here
