Congo DR and Mauritania are set to kick off their quest for a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they clash in the World Cup Qualifying – Africa match on Wednesday. The two nations are all set to face off at the Stade des Martyrs for the Group B opener.
Having finished first in Group I of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Congo DR is looking to build on their impressive campaign to secure a place in the continental showpiece. However, their opponents, Mauritania, secured the runner-up spot in the same group, so both teams will battle it out once again for the third time this year.
Match preview
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Congo DR’s impressive performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations saw them snatch a spot in the continental showpiece. Meanwhile, Mauritania will be aiming to make their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2026.
Congo DR will look to continue their successful run as they aim for their first World Cup appearance since 1974. Similarly, Mauritania, currently 101st in the latest FIFA World Rankings, will be striving hard to lay the foundation for their qualifying campaign.
When it comes to head-to-head encounters, Congo DR holds the upper hand, having emerged victorious in their previous four encounters against Mauritania, scoring 13 goals and conceding just one since April 1963.
With both teams aiming for glory, this clash is sure to be an intriguing battle as they take to the field in pursuit of World Cup qualification.
Team News
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Congo DR has called up 26 players, including the likes of goalkeeper Lionel M’pasi, defender Chancel Mbemba, and Galatasaray striker Cedric Bakambu for the World Cup qualifying ties.
Mauritania, on the other hand, will be relying on Sint-Truidense striker Aboubakary Koita, who has been in top form in the Belgian top flight this season.
Predicted starting lineups:
Congo DR: M’Pasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Amale, Bayeye; Kayembe, Moutoussamy, Kakuta; Elia, Wissa, Bakambu
Mauritania: Niasse; Keita, Houbeib, El Abd, Abeid; Mousine, Thiam, Camara, Tanjy; Koita, Ba
We say: Congo DR 2-0 Mauritania
In this exciting encounter, Congo DR holds the upper hand and is expected to secure a 2-0 victory over Mauritania. With an impressive track record against their opponents and a solid lineup, Congo DR looks set to emerge victorious in this fixture.
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