Tanzania Edge Closer to CHAN 2024 Quarter-Finals After Dramatic Win Over Mauritania
The Taifa Stars left it late, but a moment of brilliance from veteran defender Shomari Kapombe in the 89th minute sealed the win — their second in as many matches — sending the home crowd into jubilation and keeping their perfect defensive record intact in Group B.
Hosts Tanzania are on the brink of securing a place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Mauritania on Wednesday night at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The Taifa Stars left it late, but a moment of brilliance from veteran defender Shomari Kapombe in the 89th minute sealed the win — their second in as many matches — sending the home crowd into jubilation and keeping their perfect defensive record intact in Group B.
With the match heading for a likely draw, Kapombe, the experienced Azam FC right-back, made a decisive surge forward, timing his run to perfection to meet a clever through ball from Iddy Nado. With poise and precision, he slotted the ball past Mauritania’s goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr, triggering wild celebrations from Tanzanian supporters.
The goal capped a resilient performance by the hosts, who had to dig deep against a technically disciplined Mauritanian side desperate to earn their first win of the tournament.
Tanzania came into the encounter on a high after their 2-0 opening win over Burkina Faso, while Mauritania were seeking to build momentum following a 0-0 draw against Madagascar.
Despite the stakes, the first half was a cagey affair. Both teams struggled to create clear chances, with the midfield battle often dominating proceedings.
Mauritania had the better of the few openings. Mohamed Zweide and El Mami Tetah caused occasional trouble for the Tanzanian backline, and in the 44th minute, Ahmed El Moctar’s shot forced a smart low save from Tanzania’s goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman.
The Taifa Stars, meanwhile, showed glimpses of attacking intent through Feisal Salum and Iddy Nado, but couldn’t find their rhythm in the final third — a concern that coach Hemed Suleiman had raised before kick-off.
The second half saw a more dynamic display as both coaches made tactical adjustments. Tanzania introduced the pacey duo of Ahmed Pipino and Nassor Saadun, while Mauritania brought on Cheikh Hattab and Sidi Touda in search of attacking impetus.
Still, goal-scoring opportunities remained scarce until the closing stages. Mauritania nearly grabbed the lead in the 80th minute when Hattab’s long-range strike was dealt with safely by Suleiman. Tanzania responded immediately, with Clement Mzize narrowly missing the target at the other end.
Then came the decisive moment — Kapombe’s strike, a true captain’s goal, ensured maximum points for Tanzania and lifted them to the top of Group B.
In stoppage time, Mauritania pushed numbers forward in a frantic attempt to find an equaliser. The match grew increasingly scrappy, with multiple fouls and yellow cards disrupting the flow. Both Sidi Touda and Tanzania’s keeper Yakoub Suleiman were booked as tensions flared.
Despite dominating possession and displaying technical skill, coach Artiz Lopez Garai’s side once again fell short in front of goal, a recurring theme in their CHAN 2024 campaign so far.
With six points from two matches and no goals conceded, Tanzania now sit comfortably atop Group B and are in prime position to progress to the quarter-finals.
Mauritania’s qualification hopes now hang by a thread. They must defeat Burkina Faso in their final group game and hope for favorable results elsewhere.
Tanzania, meanwhile, will face Madagascar in their last group match. With a spot in the last eight nearly secured, Coach Hemed Suleiman is likely to rotate his squad and rest key players ahead of the knockout rounds.
Tanzania’s dream of a historic CHAN run on home soil remains very much alive. Their strong defensive organization, coupled with timely moments of brilliance like Kapombe’s winner, make them one of the early tournament favorites.
For Mauritania, however, the margin for error is now non-existent. They’ll need a performance of immense quality and determination to stay in contention as the group stage reaches its climax.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates from CHAN 2024 as the road to the quarter-finals heats up across East Africa.
