AFCON Q: Mauritania maul Sudan to go top in group I

Mauritania went into rival territory to beat Sudan and take three important points in their quest to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The match, held at the Agadir Stadium in Morocco, and saw the Al-Murabitun replicate their previous 3-0 triumph over the Nile Crocodiles in 2022.

With this impressive away win, Mauritania now leads Group I, accumulating eight points, one ahead of both DR Congo and Gabon, while Sudan trails with six points.

Mauritania’s victory against Sudan was spearheaded by Noah Mohamed Al-Abd, who found the back of the net in the 26th minute, giving his team a 1-0 lead. The Al-Murabitun maintained their advantage throughout the first half, entering half-time comfortably ahead. The second half witnessed a strong start from Mauritania as Hassan Habib swiftly doubled their lead in the 49th minute.

The relentless offensive pressure paid off once again when Hamiya Tangi scored the third goal in the 55th minute, leaving Sudan grappling with a daunting 3-0 deficit. Despite substitutions made by Sudan’s technical staff, they failed to make a breakthrough, and the match concluded with a resounding victory for the Mauritanian national team.

The upcoming sixth and final round of qualifiers in September will determine the teams that secure a spot in the highly anticipated finals in Côte d’Ivoire. Mauritania will face off against Gabon, while DR Congo will lock horns with Sudan. This decisive round will test the mettle of the teams as they strive to secure their place in the coveted tournament.