Mauritania Confed Cup debutants host Egypt’s Al Masry

Egyptian side Al Masry start their Confederation Cup mini-league stage with an away match against debutants Nouadhibou of Mauritania in Nouakchott in a Group A clash on Sunday.

It is the first time that a club Mauritania has reached this stage of the Confederation Cup competition.

The ‘Green Eagles’ as the Egyptians are nicknamed are regulars in Confederation Cup competition since 2017. Their best showing was in 2018 when they reached the semifinals before losing to DR Congo giants AS Vita.

After a premature first-round exit last season, the Port Said-based side returns to the CAF Confederation Cup this season with high hopes of going beyond the mini-league stage.

“We respect Nouadhibou, Rangers and Pyramids,” coach Ehab Galal said of Group A opponents.

“Our target will be a place in the quarterfinals but let’s take one game at a time.”

It will be the first time Masry takes on an opponent from Mauritania.

‘Le Club Orange’ as the Mauritanian champions are nicknamed started out in the CAF Champions League preliminary round and then dropped down to the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup.

Nigeria’s Rangers and Egypt’s debutants Pyramids complete the pool.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo