Cape Verde is set to play against Mauritania in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Monday. Despite strong teams like Egypt and Ghana in their group, Cape Verde surprisingly topped Group B, while Mauritania secured their spot by defeating 2019 champions Algeria.
Cape Verde has shown versatility in their gameplay during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. They secured a late 2-1 victory against Ghana, outdid Mozambique with better finishing, and impressively earned a point against Egypt. Their ability to score late in games makes them a formidable force in knockout football.
With their best performance being in 2013’s quarter-finals, Cape Verde aims to surpass that by defeating Mauritania on Monday. Unlike 2013, they have already scored more goals in AFCON 2023, showcasing a diverse range of goal scorers, highlighting their unpredictability.
For Mauritania, this game is historic as they have never played a knockout game in the Africa Cup of Nations. Their coach, Amir Abdou, previously led Comoros to the last 16, proving his ability to make underdog teams exceed expectations.
Mauritania’s Lions of Chinguetti have displayed resilience by making the knockout rounds despite losing two initial matches. Their coach’s tactical prowess gives them a chance against any opponent, and they aim to continue overcoming challenges on their journey to the quarter-finals.
Mauritania’s style remains uncertain – whether they will adopt the compactness seen against Burkina Faso or a more attacking approach as witnessed in the loss to Angola. Regardless, they shouldn’t be underestimated in tournament football.
Examining the teams’ recent forms, Cape Verde has performed well in AFCON with two wins and a draw, while their overall form includes victories, a draw, and a loss. Mauritania, on the other hand, faced challenges with two losses in AFCON but won their final group game, and their overall form includes a mix of draws and losses.
Both teams bring unique strengths and uncertainties to the match, making it an intriguing encounter in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.
Garry Rodrigues (against Ghana) and Bryan Teixeira (against Egypt) have scored second-half stoppage-time goals for Cape Verde, and Bubista’s in-game changes could swing the tie in the Blue Sharks’ favour.
Bebe has not featured for the Group B winners since going off injured in the victory over Mozambique, and the former Manchester United man is touch-and-go for Monday.
Abdou’s men can look to Aboubakary Koita, whose ball-striking provoked the cracker against Angola, and the wide attacker’s dribbling saw him complete the most take-ons in the group stage.
The Lions of Chinguetti pair Ibrahima Keita (12) and Omare Gassama (11) made the most tackles, underscoring Mauritania’s controlled aggression out of possession.
Mohamed Dellahi Yali, match-winner against Algeria, is touch-and-go for Monday after suffering an injury in the 1-0 success over the Fennecs.
Cape Verde possible starting lineup:
Vozinha; Moreira, Costa, Lopes, Paulo; Duarte, Pina, Monteiro; Mendes, Tavares, Cabral
Mauritania possible starting lineup:
Niasse; Keita, El Abd, Ba, Abeid; Gassama; Bouna, Thiam, Mouhsine, Koita; Anne
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