Burkina Faso have been warned to expect a significantly harder challenge when they travel to Mauritania for Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
The Etalons secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mauritania on Friday, 13 November, with Elohim Kabore scoring in the closing stages. They must now prepare for the return fixture in Nouakchott, where journalist and sports consultant Adama Salambere believes the hosts will be determined to respond in front of their own supporters.
The match carries added importance because every point matters in the race for qualification from Group F. Salambere expects Mauritania, known as the Mourabitounes, to approach the game with a strong desire to achieve a positive result.
“I expect a much more difficult match in Mauritania. We will be on their ground and they will do everything to get a result,” he said.
Salambere pointed to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as a warning from the past. Mauritania proved a major obstacle for Burkina Faso during that campaign, and he believes that experience means the Etalons must avoid underestimating their opponents in Nouakchott.
He also raised concerns about the condition of the pitch at the stadium scheduled to host the match. The consultant questioned whether the playing surface would provide suitable conditions and said it would need to meet the standards required for an international competition.
The performance in the first leg is another source of concern for Salambere. Although Burkina Faso collected an important victory in Ouagadougou, he believes the result should not conceal shortcomings in the team’s overall play.
“It will be necessary to double our efforts and rediscover the identity of play that we know from the Etalons in order to get a result in Mauritania,” he said.
The Burkina Faso players, under Amir Abdou, will therefore need to produce a more convincing display in Nouakchott. Salambere says collective control, cohesion and commitment will all be essential if they are to withstand the pressure from Mauritania and return with a positive result.
Friday’s win gave the Etalons an important advantage in the qualifying campaign, but the trip to Nouakchott represents a significant test. Salambere believes Burkina Faso will have to show considerably more than they did in the opening meeting if they are to continue their progress towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with confidence.
