In Group B of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, South Sudan and Mauritania clash at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade on Tuesday, seeking their first points after opening-day defeats.
Match preview:
South Sudan faced a 4-0 defeat against Senegal in their Group B opener, conceding goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Lamine Camara, and a brace from Sadio Mane. Nicolas Dupuis’s team aims to halt their losing streak and launch their World Cup quest after losing their last four matches.
Mauritania, unbeaten in their previous two encounters with South Sudan, started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 loss to Congo DR. Despite the defeat, they had secured two consecutive victories over Sudan and Gabon in the AFCON qualifiers, finishing as runners-up in Group I.
Team News:
Despite their defeat to Senegal, South Sudan is expected to field a similar starting XI, featuring Tito Okello, Valentino Yuel, and Ajak Riak in attack.
Mauritania, following an injury-free game against Congo DR, is likely to maintain an unchanged starting side, including Babacar Niasse in goal and Pape Ibnou Ba leading the attack.
South Sudan possible starting lineup:
Mawith; Toha, Manyang, Adebo, Atendele; Dwang, Achol, Daniel; Okello, Yuel, Riak
Mauritania possible starting lineup:
Niasse; Diaw, Yali, Houbeib, Keita; Koita, Mousine, Fofana, Mahmoud; Ba, Tanjy