CHAN: Mauritania find first goal to defeat Central African Republic

Mauritania got their first goal and first victory on Saturday at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a 1-0 Group B victory over Central African Republic at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Ahmed El Moctar’s 9th minute volley was enough for Mauritania in a game that was characterized more by physical play and bone crunching challenges rather than attractive football.

But Central African Republic fell to their second defeat in two games after a loss of focus that cost them dearly. A quick restart by the Mauritanian team led to an excellent pass over the top of the Central African defense to Abdallahi Mahmoud on the right wing. Mahmoud sent a cross over to El Moctar, who volleyed in from close range with the opposition defense still desperately retreating.

Central African Republic kept the game even against their more fancied opponents but could not find a way past the Mauritanian defense, a unit that has been the highlight of their CHAN campaign. Despite a late push from the CHAN debutants, Mauritania held on to keep themselves in contention for a place in the knockout stages.

Mauritania finish up their group stage needing a victory against Burkina Faso on Wednesday. It is the same situation for Central African Republic, who must win against Madagascar on the same day before the close up their group stage next Saturday against co-hosts Tanzania. Later on Saturday, Tanzania will look to clinch their place in the quarterfinals with a victory against Madagascar.

Group B Table

1. Tanzania- 6 points (2 games played)
2. Mauritania- 4 points (3 games)
3. Burkina Faso- 3 points (2 games)
4. Madagascar- 1 point (1 game)
5. Central African Republic- 0 points (2 games)