FOOTBALL – Hosts Tanzania are on course for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Mauritania, thanks to a late strike from veteran defender Shomari Kapombe.
Played under the floodlights of the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the tense Group B clash remained goalless until the 89th minute when Kapombe latched onto a clever through ball from Iddy Nado and slotted past Abderrahmane Sarr to spark wild celebrations from the home fans.
The victory is Tanzania’s second in as many matches, taking them to six points and the top of Group B, ensuring the home side are on course for the knockout stages.
For Mauritania, it was a bitter blow as they remain winless and now face an uphill battle to stay in the competition.
Both sides entered the match with everything to play for. Tanzania had the momentum after their opening 2-0 victory over Burkina Faso, while Mauritania were hoping to build on their goalless draw against Madagascar.
Despite the stakes, the first half lacked clear-cut chances, though it wasn’t short of physical battles and tactical discipline.
Mauritania looked lively in patches, with Mohamed Zweide and El Mami Tetah testing the Tanzanian backline early on.
Their best opportunity came in the 44th minute when Ahmed El Moctar forced a low save from Yakoub Suleiman after being played through by Moctar El Hacen.
Tanzania, meanwhile, had a few half chances of their own – Iddy Nado and Feisal Salum both went close – but they struggled to find rhythm in the final third, a concern raised by coach Hemed Suleiman before the match.
The tempo lifted after the restart as both coaches rang the changes. Tanzania introduced Ahmed Pipino and Nassor Saadun to inject pace, while Mauritania brought on Cheikh Hattab and Sidi Touda.
Chances remained rare until the final quarter of the match. Tanzania had a scare in the 80th minute when Hattab’s long-range effort was on target but dealt with comfortably by Suleiman. Moments later, Clement Mzize fired just over for the Taifa Stars in a growing show of urgency.
As the match seemed destined for a draw, Tanzania found their breakthrough in the 89th minute.
A well-timed run from Kapombe saw him receive a slick pass from Iddy Nado and, with calm composure, the Azam FC defender rifled the ball into the top of the net – a captain’s finish that sent the stadium into delirium.
Mauritania threw everything forward in stoppage time, but could not find an equaliser.
The closing minutes were scrappy, with several fouls and bookings – including a yellow card for Sidi Touda and Yakoub Suleiman.
Coach Artiz Lopez Garai’s side, despite dominating possession once again and showing technical promise, lacked cutting edge in front of goal.
With one point from two games and just one match remaining, their CHAN future is uncertain.
The result leaves Tanzania top of Group B with six points from two games, having not conceded a single goal.
Burkina Faso follow with three points, while Madagascar and Mauritania are on one point each. Central African Republic are bottom with no points but have a game in hand.
Mauritania must now beat Burkina Faso in their final group match and hope results elsewhere go their way. For Tanzania, they can now rotate players and look ahead to their next game against Central African Republic.
Tanzania will face Madagascar in their final Group B fixture, likely resting some key players with qualification secured. Mauritania, meanwhile, will need nothing less than a win against Burkina Faso – and still hope other results fall in their favour.
Earlier, Burkina Faso produced a dominant second-half display to defeat debutants Central African Republic 4-2 and revive their campaign at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
After a sluggish start to the tournament, where the Stallions were outplayed in a 2-0 loss to Tanzania, coach Issa Balbon’s side responded emphatically.
Two second-half penalties and an inspired performance from Patrick Malo and Abdoul Baguian helped them outclass a spirited CAR side playing their first-ever CHAN match.
The result breathes life into Burkina Faso’s Group B journey and ensures that qualification for the quarter-finals remains within reach.
Burkina Faso, semi-finalists in 2018, will next face Mauritania, while CAR must prepare to meet Madagascar in what now becomes a must-win fixture.
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