Preview: Mauritania vs. Gabon - prediction, team news, lineups

Both teams are still in with a chance of securing a place at the upcoming AFCON and this weekend's meeting has all the makings of an exciting contest.

Match preview

Mauritania eased past the challenge of Sudan courtesy of a comprehensive 3-0 victory when the teams went head to head at Stade Adrar on June 20.

Amir Abdou's men took the lead through Mohamed Nouh midway through the first half after which El Hassan Houbeib and Hemeya Tanjy netted in the second period to put the result beyond doubt.

That ended a run of three straight losses for the Lions of Chinguetti since they came out on top against Mali in the qualifiers for the African Nations Championship.

Lying in store next is the task of facing off against an opposing side with little to choose between the teams as the previous four meetings have yielded one win apiece and two stalemates.

Having recently suffered a first defeat on home turf in 2021, Saturday's hosts will be keen to secure an immediate return to winning ways in front of their fans.

Gabon saw their AFCON hopes dealt a further blow as they were on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo at Stade de Franceville on June 18.

Patrice Neveu's men trailed to an Aaron Tshibola strike 11 minutes shy of the interval after which Fiston Mayele sealed the deal in the final knockings of the clash.

With seven points from five matches, Les Pantheres sit third in their qualifying group, level on points with their next opponents ahead of what promises to be an enthralling affair.

Now in the last-chance saloon to book a place at next year's continental event, Saturday's visitors will need to put on a near-perfect performance once again away from home where they are currently unbeaten in three straight competitive matches.

Mauritania Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

L

D

W

Mauritania form (all competitions):

D

W

L

L

D

W

Gabon Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying form:

W

L

L

Gabon form (all competitions):

W

W

L

L

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Team News

Pape Ibnou Ba will be aiming to come up trumps once more having been on target for Mauritania in the most recent edition of Saturday's fixture.

Aboubakar Kamara has not featured for Olympiacos at club level since July and it is unlikely the 28-year-old plays any part in this weekend's affair.

Gabon's Denis Bouanga is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup having racked up 12 goals and six assists from his 24 league games this term.

Bruno Ecuele Manga is closing in on a century of international appearances and would be only the third man in history to reach that milestone for the away side.

Mauritania possible starting lineup:

Diaw; Abeid, Nouh, Houbeib, Keita; Tanjy, Fofana, Mouhsine; Anne, Mahmoud, Gassama

Gabon possible starting lineup:

Amonome; Palun, Appindangoye, Ndong, Ekomie; Allevinah, Lemina, Poko; Boupendza, Aubameyang, Bouanga

We say: Mauritania 1-1 Gabon

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