Libya News 24
Mauritania caused a major surprise in the African Cup of Nations finals this year, knocking out Algeria, the winner of the title in 2019, from the tournament, after beating them 1-0.
Mauritania secured a historic place in the round of 16 at Al Salam Stadium on Tuesday. Yali Delahi’s goal in the first half was enough to eliminate Algeria early for the second time in a row in the continental championship, under the leadership of coach Djamel Belmadi, as he had previously exited early as well, in 2021.
Mauritania took the lead in the 37th minute, after a bad clearance from the Algerian defender, Mohamed Amine Tougay, and the ball fell to Delahaye inside the penalty area, and he sent it into the Algerian net.
Mauritania did not succeed in adding a second goal, when Abu Bakari Quetta broke out in the second half and created enough space to shoot the ball, but his attempt was wild.
Mauritania’s goalkeeper, Babacar Niasse, wonderfully blocked a header shot from Hicham Boudaoui, before he was able to make a better save and deny Issa Mandi a shot from close range.
As Algeria advanced, searching for an equaliser, substitute Bababno Ba took advantage of the defensive vacuum and tried to score a second goal for Mauritania late, but he missed the goal from close range.
Angola topped Group D with seven points from three matches, followed by Burkina Faso with four points.
Mauritania, with three points, will be among the four best teams, occupying third place and qualifying for the knockout rounds, while Algeria finished in fourth place with two points.
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2024-04-16 06:34:29