Mauritania secured a historical African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final spot after pulling an upset against Mali as they beat them 1-0 in the last match in Group D at the Miloud Hadefi Stadium, Oran on Tuesday to finish top of the group.Mamadou Sy’s strike early in the second half was enough to ensure the Lions of Chinguetti finished first ahead of Angola and Mali and consequently book a quarters encounter with Senegal.Both teams came into the match with a point each, with the winner in the match taking it all.What a moment for Mauritania 👏 “Al-Murabitun” secured their place in the #TotalEnergiesCHAN2022 for the first-ever time 🆕 pic.twitter.com/IKhEicTdAD— MARHABA (@CAF_Online) January 24, 2023 A highly tactical opening half saw very few chances at goal as both teams threw in numbers behind the ball with the aim of catching each other on the break.The Eagles, Mali, were the first to ask questions of the keeper in the opening minutes after a well-executed transitional play concluded with the target man, Moussa Kone setting up Ibourahima Sidibe in a dangerous position who’s volley went inches wide off goal.They would have taken the lead just past halfway through the first half when Emile Kone attempted to head home from a corner but his effort was cleared by Soukrana Mhaimid to keep the scores level.##NAJAVA_MECA_6973480##In the first period, Mauritania did everything right to contain the Malian attack but did very little to threaten them in return, as the two sides went into the break with the scores level.On resumption for the second half, the Lions of Chinguetti came back as the stronger side and immediately put their opponents on the back foot. Three minutes into the half, skipper Moulaye Khalil showed off his artistry after eliminating his marker on the edge of the box to unleash a powerful volley that was parried to safety by Germain Berthe.The pressure continued to mount for Mali and they eventually succumbed to it when Sy connected a delightful cross from the hard-working Sidi Amar to put his side ahead 53 minutes in the game.Gor Mahia slapped with another transfer embargo for failing to pay Malian keeper KeitaChasing the game and with the clock ticking out, Mali sent numbers forward in search of the equalizer but found a highly resolute Mauritanian defense who stood firm.The search for the equaliser continued for Mali but it was not meant to be as Mauritania’s disciplined defence stood firm and held on to the lead to secure a historical quarter final berth.
