Tanzania strikes late to edge Mauritania in dramatic CHAN 2024 slim win

Photo by CAF Media 

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mauritania in their second Group B fixture at the ongoing TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

The decisive goal came in the 89th minute, courtesy of Shomary Kapombe’s brilliant strike, which sealed Tanzania’s second straight win in the tournament.

Photo by CAF Media 

The match began with Mauritania taking the initiative, nearly capitalizing on an early free-kick, but their effort sailed wide of the target.

Tanzania, who had impressed in their 2-0 opening win over Burkina Faso, looked far less convincing going forward in the first half, struggling to create clear-cut chances despite enjoying plenty of possession.

Photo by CAF Media 

Clement Mzize wasted a golden opportunity in the 37th minute after being set up by Feisal Salum, while Iddi Seleman couldn’t direct his header on target from a Kapombe delivery five minutes later.

Mauritania almost took the lead just before the break following a defensive lapse by the hosts, but Yakoub Suleiman came to the rescue with a brilliant save to deny Ahmed Moctar Ahmed.

Tanzania resumed with more urgency and continued to dominate possession, registering over 70% of the ball. However, Mauritania’s disciplined backline frustrated their efforts, and it seemed like the points would be shared.

But in the 89th minute, Iddy Nado picked out Kapombe with a sublime lofted pass, and the experienced right-back brought the ball under control before rifling it past goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr to send the home fans into raptures.

Photo by CAF Media 

The late strike proved enough for the Taifa Stars, who now sit top of Group B with six points from two games.

Tanzania will look to wrap up group play on a high with their remaining matches against Madagascar and CHAN debutants Central African Republic (CAR).

One more positive result could seal their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.