Both Gabon and Mauritania will be looking a second win in Group I of the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers when they lock horns at the Stade de Franceville in their second group round on Wednesday.
Both sides kicked off their qualifying campaign on winning note, with Gabon beating DR Congo 1-0 at Stade des Martyrs last Saturday, while Mauritania cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win in their opener against Sudan at Stade de la Capitale on same day.
Now Mauritania lead Group I on goal difference as they are level on three points with second-placed Gabon. Although it’s a bit earlier to depict this Groups favorite, this fixture has the potential to give an idea on who could win the group.
With both Mauritania and Gabon going for all three points on Wednesday we expect a closely contested encounter, although Mauritania in a much better form than their hosts, with three consecutive wins. Also the visitors should be buzzing after an emphatic win in their opener and will fancy their chance to claim a second victory in the group.
However, Gabon have not lost in any of their five home matches, while Mauritania have lost all their last four away games in a row, making the clash more interesting.
Gabon vs Mauritania head to head
Both sides have met in two encounters since 2014 with both claiming one victory.
- Gabon 0-2 Mauritania 28/05/16
- Mauritania 2-4 Gabon 22/01/14
Away
- Congo DR 0-1 Gabon
- Burkina Faso 7-6 Gabon (AP)
- Gabon 2-2 Morocco
- Gabon 1-1 Ghana
- Comoros 0-1 Gabon
Away
- Mauritania 3-0 Sudan
- Mauritania 2-0 Libya
- Mauritania 2-1 Mozambique
- Mali 2-0 Mauritania
- Tunisia 4-0 Mauritania
Gabon team news
Gabon have no reports of any injury problems at their camp.
Mauritania team news
Mauritania also have a fully-fit squad.
Prediction and odds
- Draw
- Both sides to score
- Goals under 2.5
