As the race for a coveted spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up in Africa, Mauritania will host South Sudan at the Stade Municipal in Nouadhibou. On paper, it’s a clash between Group B’s fourth and sixth-placed teams, but the deeper narrative reveals two sides at very different stages of their competitive journeys. While Mauritania are fresh off a strong winning streak, South Sudan are still searching for their rhythm in qualifiers making this an intriguing test of resurgence versus resilience.
Mauritania’s midfield maestro Mahmoud Abdallahi and the versatile defender N. El Abd should be key influencers in this encounter, with Abdallahi’s ability to dictate tempo and El Abd’s defensive awareness poised to make a difference against South Sudan’s counter. For the visitors, much will rest on captain Samuel Taban Malish, whose defensive diligence and knack for interceptions anchor what can otherwise be a fragile back line.
The hot stat? Mauritania are on a three-match winning run, having notched three consecutive clean sheets a dramatic turnaround after a lukewarm start to the qualification campaign.
| 🏆 Tournament: | FIFA World Cup CAF Qualification 2026 (Group B) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Stade Municipal, Nouadhibou |
| 🗓️ Date: | 09.09.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 22:00 CEST |
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Mauritania vs South Sudan prediction
Given current form and home advantage, Mauritania are clear favourites to bag all three points perhaps with room to spare. Their recent uptick is rooted in steady defensive work and a midfield that likes to play on the front foot with quick passing combinations. South Sudan, meanwhile, have struggled to keep games tight, suffering from defensive lapses and an inability to sustain possession under pressure.
Mauritania’s aggressive shape (regularly lining up in a 4-2-3-1) allows them to keep the ball for longer phases, while South Sudan’s 4-1-3-2 leans more towards direct transitions but often leaves their flanks exposed. Both teams have kept yellow cards to a minimum, but Mauritania’s higher foul count suggests a willingness to break up opponent advances at source. Their ability to convert set-pieces could also be decisive, with nine corners in the last five matches a sharp contrast to South Sudan’s less threatening return.
All signs point to a contest that Mauritania can dictate in tempo and territory, with South Sudan likely chasing shadows for long periods.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Mauritania -1.5 (Asian Handicap) |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Mauritania’s latest fixtures have showcased marked improvement. Their last outing a 2-0 home win over Togo was set up by a disciplined back four and effective use of wide channels, with Aly Abeid not only snuffing out opposition attacks but contributing with a goal. The match illustrated how Mauritania’s blend of compactness and quick inside-to-outside passing can frustrate and break down less organised defences. Prior to that, they churned out consecutive 1-0 wins versus Burkina Faso and Central Africa showcasing an emerging pattern of defensive resolve and timely attacking thrusts.
South Sudan, on the other hand, come into this tie off a sobering 1-4 defeat to D.R. Congo. Defensive frailty and inability to stem relentless attacks have cost them dearly, while up front, they’ve struggled to muster meaningful chances. Their last three qualifiers have yielded just one draw and two losses, with a solitary goal scored. Even when they kept Sudan to a 1-1 draw a few games back, it was more a testament to their fighting spirit than tactical brilliance. The lack of creativity in midfield and problems holding shape without the ball remain recurring issues.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Mauritania | South Sudan |
|---|---|---|
| Total shots | 24 | 3 |
| Corner kicks | 9 | 5 |
🚨Read our full Mauritania vs South Sudan stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Mauritania the favourite
- Moneyline Mauritania 1.32 | South Sudan 8.89
- Draw 4.00
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.10 | Under 2.5 1.70
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.60 | No 1.38
Bookmakers are solidly backing Mauritania, handing them a commanding 68 percent implied win probability. The hosts’ home form and South Sudan’s toothless attack tip the balance decisively in their favour. Odds for a draw represent some risk mitigation, while South Sudan’s long odds make them a real outsider unsurprising, given their recent lack of form and goals. The under 2.5 goals line is notably short, reflecting the hosts’ defensive composure and the visitors’ struggle to muster attacking threats. Both teams not to score (NO) is understandably favoured considering South Sudan’s scoring stats.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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Possible Starting Lineups
Mauritania possible starting eleven

- GK: Babacar Niasse Mbaye
- DF: Aly Abeid, N. El Abd, D. Saleck, Lamine Ba
- MF: Bodda Mouhsine, Mahmoud Abdallahi, Beyatt Lekweiry
- FW: Papa Ndiaga Yade, Aboubakary Koita, Sidi Bouna Amar
Mauritania’s likely 4-2-3-1 will rely on the dynamic runs of Yade up front and Abdallahi’s tactical guidance in midfield. Expect N. El Abd to be a set-piece threat and full-back Aly Abeid (who netted last time out) to join attacks. With this blend of experience and youth, Mauritania look well-drilled and balanced expect them to press high and dominate possession at home.
South Sudan possible starting eleven

- GK: Majak Mawith
- DF: Samuel Taban Malish, Ivan Wani Adebo, R. Toha, Athir Thomas Magor Abdo Gaber
- MF: William Emmanuel Kundu Gama, Peter Chan, Nelson Victor Elia, J. Malish
- FW: Pap Chol Majok Akech, P. Pal
Likely to stick with a 4-1-3-2, South Sudan’s squad will be anchored by captain Taban Malish at left-back and Majak Mawith in goal. Expect Peter Chan to carry much of the creative midfield burden, with the hope that Pap Chol Majok Akech can convert one of the rare opportunities that might come his way. Defensive solidity will be crucial, but without more support in attack, South Sudan may again struggle to pose consistent threats.
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South Sudan. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo
The Verdict
All signs point to Mauritania taking control early and delivering a disciplined, clinical performance. Expect tight defending, smart midfield rotations, and enough firepower up front to seal a comfortable win. Unless South Sudan find another gear entirely, it’s tough to envisage any other outcome. My main pick: Mauritania win to nil, with a possible margin of 2-0 or 3-0. This match could play a pivotal role in re-igniting Mauritania’s group ambitions, while South Sudan will need to regroup and focus on defensive improvement heading forward.

