New kids on the block, Mauritania have seen their steady rise rewarded with a debut qualification to the final tournament of the flagship African football tournament. They were named Men’s National Team of the Year at the Aiteo CAF Awards last January in Dakar, Senegal.

Key Facts

• Mauritania are making their first ever appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations after finishing second in their qualifying group.
• Debutants Mauritania picked up an impressive 12 points from their six 2019 AFCON qualifying matches, winning four games and losing two.
• Ismaël Diakite was Mauritania’s top goalscorer in qualifying, scoring two important goals against Botswana to confirm their first ever appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations.