This is the big surprise of this CHAN 2022 ! Finalist of the previous edition and considered one of the favorites at the start of the competition, Mali was beaten and eliminated by Mauritania (0-1) in the first round this Tuesday in the derby in Oran. After the draws between Mali and Angola (3-3) and between Mauritania and Angola (0-0), the Mourabitounes indeed finish at the top of the group D and take the only qualifying place for the quarter-finalsa level they reach for the first time and which will see them face Senegal on Friday in another derby…
What a moment for Mauritania ????
“Al-Murabitun” reserve their place at the #TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 for the very first time ???? pic.twitter.com/yuKgenqt0x
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While a draw with goals was enough to qualify them, the Malians may regret not having been able to concretize their domination during a first period completely in their favor and without the slightest shot attempted by the Mauritanians. Ibrahim Sidibé could have opened the scoring in particular but his powerful volley shot wide, then Emile Koné was countered with a header at the last moment.
A new feat for Amir Abdou (ex-comoros coach)
Change of scenery on returning from the locker room, with the Mauritanian awakening symbolized by this volley from Bessam well managed by Germain Berthé. On the other hand, the local Eagles goalkeeper could do nothing on the goal of Mamadou Sy, who got the better of Souleymane Coulibaly to propel a cross from Sidi Amara with a header into the back of the net (1-0, 53e). Back to the wall, the Malians pushed but in a very messy way: Ousmane Coulibaly’s overly crushed shot was easily blocked by Namori Diaw, Souleymane Coulibaly’s pivot shot flew over the goal, then Hamidou’s header Sinayoko on a free kick passed just above. What offer a new feat to coach Amir Abdou and Mauritanian football. For Mali, on the other hand, it will be necessary to recover from this big disillusion…
The final classification of group D: Mauritania 4 points, Angola 2 pts, Mali 1 pt
Formations of Mauritania-Mali
Mauritans ???? Mali
The selection for the decisive Group D match! ????????????????????#TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 | #MTNMLI pic.twitter.com/bPv0KmNWVB
— WELCOME (@caf_online_FR) January 24, 2023
