GCWWFhFacAEV7V5

Abdou unveils provisional squad as Mauritanian ready to roar into AFCON 2023 with pre-tournament clash against Tunisia

The desert winds of anticipation are already swirling across Mauritania as the Lions of Chinguetti gear up for their third Africa Cup of Nations adventure. With the tournament kicking off in Côte d’Ivoire on January 13, coach Amir Abdou has named a provisional 27-man squad brimming with experience and youthful promise.

Friendly Fire Before the Flames

Before diving headfirst into the AFCON furnace, Mauritania will test their mettle against North African giants Tunisia in an international friendly on January 6. This pre-tournament clash will be a crucial opportunity to fine-tune tactics and build momentum for the tougher battles ahead.

Familiar Faces and Fresh Blood

The squad features a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting newcomers. The experienced El-Hadji Ba, a former Ligue 1 midfielder with Racing Lens and Sunderland, makes a triumphant return to the national fold after an 18-month hiatus. His return adds depth and leadership to the midfield.

Teenager Oumar Ngom, a rising star currently honing his skills at French club Pau, receives his maiden call-up, injecting a spark of youthful exuberance into the squad.

Group of Grit

Mauritania’s AFCON journey begins on January 16 against Burkina Faso in Bouake. The Lions will then face continental powerhouses Algeria and Angola in Group D, promising a grueling test of their resolve.

With a potent mix of experience and young talent, Mauritania are determined to go beyond the group stage for the first time in their AFCON history. The friendly against Tunisia will be the first step in their quest to reaching new heights in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Namori Diaw (Tevragh Zeina), Babacar Diop (FC Nouadhibou), Babacar Niasse (En Avant Guingamp)

Defenders: Aly Abeid (UTA Arad), Lamine Ba (NK Varazdin), Khadim Diaw (Al Hilal), Nouh Mohamed El Abd (FC Nouadhibou), El Hassen Houeibib (Al Zawraa), Ibrahima Keita (TP Mazembe), Bakary Ndiaye (Al Quwa Al Jawiya), Mohamed Dellah Yali (Al Hedod)

Midfielders: El Hadji Ba, Mouhsine Bodda (both FC Nouadhibou), Bakari Camara (Villefranche-Beaujolais), Sidi Ahmed Mohamed El Abd (Nouakchott Kings), Guessouma Fofana (Doxa Katokopias), Omare Gassama (Chateauroux), Abdallahi Mahmoud (Bellinzona), Oumar Ngom (Pau)

Forwards: Souleymane Anne (KMSK Deinze), Pape Ibnou Ba (Concarneau), Amar Sidi Bouna (FC Nouadhibou), Souleymane Doukara (Magusa Turk Gucu), Aboubakar Kamara (Al Jazira), Aboubakaray Koita (St Truiden), Hemeya Tanji (Ai Ittihad Tripoli), Idrissa Thiam (Al Mesaimeer)

Stay Ahead with Exclusive Sports Updates!

Receive the latest sports news, thrilling match highlights, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes insights directly in your inbox.

We promise we’ll never spam! Take a look at our
Privacy Policy for more info.

Leave a Reply