Buscher eyes productive debut against Zambia

by Staff Reporter

Friday Nov 12, 2021. 22:00

Mauritania coach Gerard Buscher is hoping for a promising start on his competitive debut in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B qualifier against hosts Chipolopolo Zambia at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

The Frenchman took charge of Mauritania in late October following the departure of compatriot Corentin Martins who managed just 1 point from Mauritania’s opening four Group B matches.

Martins had just guided Mauritania to 2022 AFCON qualification-a second successive tournament appearance under his helm.

“We are facing a very talented Chipolopolo squad whom we are wary of their threats but the team is equal to the task,” Buscher said in Lusaka and who headed the Mauritania Football Federations’ technical directorate prior to replacing Martins.

“We came here to play football and being new with the team I want to use these last two qualifiers as build up to the AFCON.”

Mauritania are bottom and three points behind third placed Zambia while Equatorial Guinea are second on 7 points.

Leaders Tunisia has 10 points heading into this weekend’s penultimate Group B date.

Mauritania lost 2-1 at home to Zambia in their opening Group B match on September 3 at home in Nouakchott.