Mauritania vs Cape Verde Prediction: Survival of the fittest

Mauritania will host Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier encounter at Stade Olympique de Nouakchott. Both teams have been woeful in this qualifier and will go all out for a win. How will this game unfold?

Mauritania secured a draw against Botswana in their last qualifier, which ended 1-1. In that game, Aboubakary Koita's strike put Mauritania in the lead, but Gilbert Baruti's strike denied them maximum points. However, Mauritania heads into this game without a win, losing three and drawing one of their last four matches. In this qualifier, Mauritania have accumulated four points, scored two g,oals and conceded six. 

Cape Verde's last encounter was against Egypt, and they settled for a 1-1 draw. In that game, Taher Mpohamed's strike put Cape Verde in the lead just the 31st minute in, but a Ryan Mendes strike from the spot was enough to see this side avoid a defeat. In this qualifier, Cape Verde have scored three goals and conceded six. In the five matches played, Cape Verde have four points, leaving them seated in the third spot in Group C.

It is not all over for either team in this qualifier, and we can expect them to be at their best. While they have both points, and their qualification chances hinge on this game and a defeat to Botswana against Egypt, I expect the two teams to approach this encounter with a lot of attacking play, as their defensive line is poor. However, at home, Mauritania come in as favorites, and while they lost the first leg of this game, I believe this will be a revenge-like encounter for them this time.