CHAN: Mauritania defeat Burkina Faso to move closer to quarterfinals

Mauritania are on the verge of qualifying to the quarterfinals of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso to close out Group B action on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam.

Mauritania midfielder Alassane Diop converted from the penalty spot just before halftime following a foul on El Mami Tetah, giving his side a crucial victory that puts them one step closer towards qualifying for the quarterfinals. Earlier in the first half, a red card issued to Abdoulaye Touré left the Burkinabe team in a difficult situation.

Touré was sent off after a tackle arrived too high on Mauritania playmaker Bessam, which drew the attention of the Video Assistant Referee and resulted in an initial yellow card being changed to a red card. Deep into first half stoppage time, Burkina Faso defender Kalifa Nikiema tripped up Tetah in his penalty area and VAR awarded a spot kick for Diop to score the decisive goal.

Burkina Faso, eliminated from the competition following the defeat, attempted to make a late push but Abdoul Baguian’s 80th minute header bounced off the post before Mauritania goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr slapped the ball out of danger.

With all their group stage games played, Mauritania will now watch the final matchday anxiously. They will need help from Burkina Faso against Madagascar, who will overtake Mauritania if they defeat the Stallions on Saturday.

Group B Table

1. Tanzania- 9 points (3 games played)
2. Mauritania- 7 points (4 games)
3. Madagascar- 4 points (3 games)
4. Burkina Faso- 3 points (3 games)
5. Central African Republic- 0 points (3 games)