Kuwait begin their bid to reach a first Arab Cup since 2012 against Mauritania on Tuesday as the sides clash in the opening fixture of the 2025 edition at Al Rayyan, Qatar.
It’s a single knockout match with the winner progressing into Group C of the tournament finals, where Egypt, Jordan and the UAE are waiting.
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Ranked 135th in the world, the Blue Waves are coming off the back of a 2-2 draw against Gambia last week in a friendly.
Abdoulie Ceesay netted twice to put the West African side 2-0 up before Yousef Nasser pulled one back for Kuwait from the penalty spot in the 65th minute.
Hélio Sousa’s side huffed and puffed in search of an equalizer and their persistence paid off as Mohammad Al-Sharifi found the net for them in stoppage time.
Having also beaten Tanzania 4-3 in another friendly a few days prior to this, Kuwait wrapped up their preparation for the cup unbeaten and come into the competition confident of their chances.
Mauritania are looking to make it to the group stages of the Arab Cup for just the third time, having qualified for the same in 2021.
The Lions of Chinguetti were beaten 1-0 by Libya in a friendly last week as their rehearsal didn’t go according to plan, with the Tunisia game also ending in a 1-1 stalemate.
Kuwait vs Mauritania Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- There’s been just one clash between the sides before with Kuwait beating Mauritania 3-1 in the Pan Arab Games, back in July 1997
- The Lions of Chinguetti are winless in their last five games, losing twice; both them and Kuwait have won just once this year
- Mauritania are ranked 114th in the world; Kuwait are ranked 135
Kuwait vs Mauritania Prediction
The Blue Waves are the stronger and more experienced side on paper and have shown improvements in their recent fixtures. Mauritania have looked sloppy in defense lately while also struggling to create anything special going forward. They could be headed for another loss here.
Prediction: Kuwait 2-1 Mauritania
Kuwait vs Mauritania Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Kuwait
Tip 2 – Goals over/under 2.5: Over 2.5
Tip 3 – Both teams to score: Yes
Edited by Ashwin