Mauritania taking on Gambia doesn’t seem like the most glamourous clash when you have the pick of 12 first round games to watch, however, Gambia topped their group in qualifying and are looking to further impress.
Africa Cup of Nations – Group F
Wednesday 12 January
Limbe Stadium
18:00
To Win
Mauritania 2/1 | Draw 33/20 | Gambia 29/20
Mauritania
Manager Didier Gomes da Rosa has been at the helm of some of the most prestigious clubs on the continent like Cotonsport (Cameroon), Horoya AC (Mali), Ismaily SC (Egypt), Al Merreikh (Sudan) and most recently Simba SC (Tanzania), but for the first time the Frenchman takes charge of a national team and more importantly at a major tournament.
The Lions of Chinguetti beat Burundi and Central African Republic to join Morocco from Group E’s qualification. Interestingly, one of Africa’s top nations, Morocco, couldn’t find the back of the net against Mauritania with both occasions ending in goalless draws.
Mauritania had five different goalscorers in qualification, however, former Fulham striker Aboubakar Kamara will have the task of leading the line.
Gambia
Gambia topped Group D ahead of Gabon, DR Congo and Angola to book their ticket to Cameroon. The team is made up of a core of experienced players namely, Modou Barrow who’s been excelling since moving from England to Jeonbuk Hyundai (Korea), captain Pa Modou and Sampdoria defender Omar Colley.
Meanwhile, young attacking players like AS Roma’s Ebrima Darboe and Bologna’s Musa Barrow have picked their hands up to improve the level of their national team.
The Scorpions will be looking to sting Mauritania in this opening encounter to avenge their 2-1 defeat in the only competitive meeting between these sides, while continuing their improvement as a footballing nation.
Prediction: Gambia Win (29/20)
I wouldn’t suggest adding this to your multiples, although if you’re wondering how to make money in this encounter, there’s only one way – select Gambia to edge a victory before taking on Mali and Tunisia.
