The second round of matches in the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers sees Mauritius and Angola go head to head at Cote d'Or National Sports Complex on Tuesday.
Neither team came away with maximum points from their respective opening qualifying fixtures last time out and they will be eager to get back to winning ways.
Match preview
Mauritius were left red-faced following a 3-0 defeat against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Friday's meeting at the Japoma Stadium.
Fidy Rasoanaivo's men fell behind to Bryan Mbeumo's opener on the stroke of half time before second-half goals from Georges-Kevin N'Koudou and Frank Magri sealed the deal.
That was a second straight defeat for Les Dodos who are now a dismal run of having picked up just one win in four matches across all competitions.
Awaiting them next is the challenge of an opposing outfit who have only lost one of the last seven meetings between the teams dating back to 2017.
However, that solitary defeat did come in the most recent encounter back in July when Tuesday' hosts claimed a narrow triumph in the COSAFA Cup.
Angola had to settle for a share of the spoils against the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde when the sides faced off at Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Thursday.
Pedro Goncalves were slightly on the back foot in what was a cagey affair which was characterised by a lack of rhythm for large spells of the clash.
Consequently, the Black Sable Antelopes have now played out three stalemates in a row since their last defeat against Iran in mid-September.
Having recently kept a first clean sheet on the road in eight matches, Tuesday's visitors will be looking to put on a solid defensive display away from home.
Team News
Midfielder Fredy is set to retain his place in the Angola starting lineup as he closes in making half a century of international appearances.
Agostinho Mabululu has found the back of the net five times in his last six matches for club and country, making him one to keep an eye on.
Having now seen his side fail to score in back to back matches, Fidy Rasoanaivo might be forced into making some changes to his attacking unit.
Francois Aurelien endured a largely underwhelming outing in front of goal for the hosts last time out and could be dropped to the bench here.
Mauritius possible starting lineup:
Chiotti; Mootoo, Collard, Rose, Francois; Adrien, Villeneuve, Bru, Langue; Aristide, Nazira
Angola possible starting lineup:
Adilson; Gaspar, Buatu, Fortuna; Fredy, Show, Keliano, Augusto, Carneiro; Luvumbo, Mabululu
We say: Mauritius 1-2 Angola
The teams are on a rough patch heading into this one and Tuesday's game provides a good opportunity for both teams to get themselves back on track. We can see Angola getting the job done, albeit by only a narrow margin.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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