CHAN: Mauritania will compete without fear against Tanzania- López Garai

Mauritania coach Aritz López Garai has expressed full confidence in his squad’s readiness as they prepare to face hosts Tanzania in their vital Group B encounter at the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Tanzania on Wednesday.

The Mourabitoune are still in search of their first win following a 0-0 opening draw against Madagascar, while Tanzania’s Taifa Stars will go into the fixture at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium oozing with confidence after a solid 2-0 opening victory over Burkina Faso.

“Our focus has been on conditioning — physically and mentally. The mental aspect helps us a lot,” said Garai in his pre-match press conference as quoted by CAFOnline.com. “Tanzania are playing at home and that changes things. But we’re learning and adapting after each game.

“Our players have reached a level where they can compete fairly with Tanzania without fear. We respect our opponents but we’re here to fight.”

Mauritania midfielder Al Hassan Diop said: “The team spirit is excellent. Our goal is qualification, and we’re fully focused on getting the three points against Tanzania. The coach has given us clear instructions, and we’ll give everything on the pitch.”

Mauritania have only qualified for CHAN twice in their history and are still chasing their first-ever win at the tournament.