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Mauritania host Botswana at the Cheikha Ould Boidiya Stadium in Nouakchott on Saturday for their opening clash of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Group C. Ranked 112th in the world, Mauritania are looking for their fourth consecutive appearance in the AFCON finals.
The West African nation made their tournament debut in 2019, qualified again two years later, and made the cut for the Ivory Coast showpiece this year too.
But in the recent edition, the Lions of Chinguetti created a slice of history - they reached the knockout stages for the first time, qualifying for the round of 16 where they lost 1-0 to Cape Verde.
Since then, their fortunes have barely improved, with Mauritania failing to win either of their two friendlies and losing both their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches at home.
Botswana are looking to end a 12-year wait for a second AFCON qualification but will have to up the ante for that. The Zebras have blown hot and cold in 2024, winning just one of their nine official games.
Mauritania vs Botswana Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- Mauritania and Botswana clash for just the fifth time in history.
- Botswana won just once in their previous four and lost thrice.
- Mauritania have won their recent two clashes with Botswana, a 1-0 win in June 2017 followed by a 2-1 victory in November 2018, both coming as part of Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- Botswana have won just once in nine official games this year, and are winless in their last four.
- Mauritania are winless in their last five official clashes, failing to score in each of them too.
- Having lost their last two games, Botswana could see three defeats in a row for the first time since November 2022-March 2023 (4).
Mauritania vs Botswana Prediction
Mauritania have a good record against Botswana, which should give them the confidence to take them on again. But the Lions of Chinguetti have truly struggled lately, which means the Zebras have a chance here.
Prediction: Mauritania 1-1 Botswana
Mauritania vs Botswana Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
