Cape Verde vs Mauritania Prediction: Blue Sharks to pull off historic victory in Abidjan

Two sides who have already earned plenty of plaudits for their performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations meet in the Round of 16 on Monday evening (KO, 17:00), as Cape Verde clash with Mauritania at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.

Cape Verde were the surprise package of Group B as they toppled Ghana and Mozambique to confirm their status as group winners before playing out a 2-2 draw with Egypt.

Mauritania, meanwhile, battled back from defeats to Burkina Faso and Angola to beat Algeria and book a place in the knockouts as one of the best third-placed teams.

Team News

Cape Verde head coach Bubista rested a few key stars against Egypt including Bebe and Jovane, who should both return to the starting XI on Monday.

Mauritania are likely to keep faith with the line-up that secured a 1-0 win over Algeria, meaning ex-Fulham forward Aboubakar 'AK-27' Kamara will have to settle for a place on the bench again.

Match Odds

Cape Verde are considered favourites to win the match inside 90 minutes on Monday at 10/11, with a win for Mauritania at 10/3 and a draw - which would send the tie into extra-time - priced at 15/8.

Both teams to score is 5/4 and it's 13/8 for over 2.5 goals in Abidjan.

Cape Verde to win @ 10/11

A win for either side would be their first-ever in a knockout game at the Africa Cup of Nations, so the significance of Monday cannot be downplayed.

It's Cape Verde who should fancy their chances more, though, after an unbeaten group stage which saw them score seven goals in total.

As impressive as Mauritania's win over Algeria was, the Lions of Chinguetti did also lose to Burkina Faso and Angola, conceding four goals across those two games.

Cape Verde's firepower should be enough for them to win the game on Monday without the need for extra-time.

Cape Verde to score in both halves @ 11/4

The Blue Sharks scored in both halves of all three group games, and 11/4 is an enticing enough price to back them to do so again on Monday.

Mauritania, meanwhile, conceded in both halves against Angola, and face a tough battle to keep the likes of Bebe, Jovane and Ryan Mendes - all of whom found the net in the group stage - quiet.

Check out the rest of our AFCON Betting Tips here.