Mali look to avoid Mauritania upset

Mali players warm up

Wednesday Jan 19, 2022. 16:00

Mali will face off with their West African rivals, Mauritania in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game on Thursday.

Kick-off is at 9:00 pm CAT.

This final Group F encounter is scheduled to be played at the Stade Omnisport de Douala in the Cameroonian city of Douala.

The Eagles conceded a late goal in their 1-1 draw against The Gambia in their second Group F match on Sunday and they remain undefeated in this year’s tournament.

2021 AFCON GROUP STANDINGS

Mali find themselves placed second on the group standings – level on points with leaders, the Gambia, who are only on top in alphabetical order as the two teams have an identical record.

The Eagles will progress to the knockout phase if they defeat Mauritania in the West African Derby encounter.

Meanwhile, Mauritania were humiliated when they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Tunisia on Sunday and it was their second defeat in Group F.

The Lions of Chinguetti are placed fourth on the group standings with their ambitions of reaching the knockout phase having diminished.

Mauritania will be determined to bow out with a win over Mali and also grab the bragging rights against their neighbours in the process.

The last meeting between Mali and Mauritania was on 20 October 2019.

Mali claimed a 2-0 win over Mauritania in the 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at the Stade Omnisports Modibo Keita in Bamako.