Burkina Faso vs Mauritania Prediction: Experienced Stallions will win

The sun-soaked Stade Bouake is set for a Group D showdown as Burkina Faso and Mauritania go head-to-head in the opening clash on Tuesday afternoon. Eager to capitalize on their commendable recent performance, the Stallions, who reached the semifinals in two of the last three Africa Cup of Nations, aspire to replicate their 2013 journey to the final. Meanwhile, the Lions of Chinguetti have their eyes on securing their inaugural victory in the tournament.

Often regarded as dark horses in the AFCON, Burkina Faso has made notable strides, reaching the semifinals or final in three of the last five editions within the past decade. Despite a group stage exit in 2015 and missing the 2019 tournament altogether after their 2013 final appearance, their recent journey to Ivory Coast faced challenges. While they secured three consecutive qualifying victories, they encountered a frustrating winless streak in the final three games. Nevertheless, they maintained their position at the top of the group, surpassing Cape Verde, Togo, and Swaziland. Led by Hubert Velud, an experienced African football coach, Burkina Faso is anticipated to secure a top-two finish in Group D, alongside Algeria, in a group that also includes Angola and Mauritania. On the field, the Stallions enter the tournament on a positive note, winning three of their last five matches across all competitions, including a 2-1 triumph over DR Congo in their final warm-up game.

Mauritania has secured qualification for three consecutive AFCONs since 2019, yet to claim a victory at the tournament. Nevertheless, their tenacity and determination were evident in their hard-fought victories against Sudan and Gabon, illustrating that they are a team deserving of respect. Despite previous setbacks, such as sanctions resulting from withdrawing from the 2010 qualifiers, Mauritania has made substantial progress off the field, leading to improved on-field performances.

Coach Amir Abdou, who boasts an impressive AFCON debut with Comoros, is now focused on guiding the Lions of Chinguetti beyond the group stage. While a goalless draw with Tunisia in their final warm-up game may provide some encouragement, Abdou is likely more concerned about the team's goal-scoring struggles in their last three matches.

Tuesday's match will signify the 10th encounter between the two teams. Burkina Faso has emerged victorious in five of their past meetings, while Mauritania has secured only one win. Additionally, three matches between the two sides ended in draws. The teams last competed in a friendly match in October of last year, with the Stallions claiming a 2-1 victory. Burkina Faso remains unbeaten in their last three games against Mauritania, a streak that dates back to 2019. On the flip side, Mauritania has been unable to score in six out of their last nine matches against Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso possible starting lineup:

Konate; Tapsoba, Dayo, Nagalo, Guiebre; Blati Toure, Aziz Ki, Guira, Sangare; Ouattara, Badolo

Mauritania possible starting lineup:

Niasse; Keita, El Abd, N'Diaye, Abeid; Gassama, Bouna,Thiam; Mahmoud, Tanjy, Koita

Burkina Faso has secured victories in two of their last three games and suffered only one defeat in their last six across all competitions. With a strong historical performance in this fixture, they are confident heading into their upcoming clash with the Lions of Chinguetti. On the other hand, Mauritania is currently facing a string of consecutive goalless draws and hasn't clinched a win in their last four matches. While Burkina Faso might encounter challenges in penetrating the resilient Mauritania defense on Tuesday, their experience and superior offensive capabilities are expected to provide them with the advantage.