With only first place in the group guarantees the World Cup 2026 place, Senegal, as clear favorites in Group B were expected to hold this position already after four games. But since the Lions of Teranga allowed surprise draws with Togo (0-0) and DR Congo (1-1), every next game is a must-win, especially since a surprise leader Sudan is expected to defeat South Sudan in Juba on June 11th. So, Senegal, travelling without injured Sadio Mane and Nicholas Jackson managed to defeat winless Mauritania (1-0) and get to the first position, at least for another two days. But the manner in which the win was achieved, the coach Aliou Cissé has to be worried.🇲🇷🇸🇳Habib Diallo qui permet au Sénégal d’arrivée en tête à la pause. pic.twitter.com/fIAbaGOXYG— CAFMEDIA (@Nadori_Z) June 9, 2024 Senegal is full of international stars, so the absence of Mane or Jackson cannot be used as an excuse. The Lions of Teranga have been clearly out of form since the early AFCON exit and this slim victory proves it. The only goal was scored in the 27th minute thanks to a sloppy Mauritania defence, but that was it from the hosts. On the opposite side, the hosts had three superb chances but were denied by the crossbar and Edouard Mendy twice. The former Chelsea keeper was undoubtedly the man of the match, which speaks volumes. Mauritania failed to score or win their last three competitive or non-competitive fixtures, but they would break that streak today if it wasn’t for Mendy.Frustrated African Barca gem is keen on moving to ArsenalMauritania had a fantastic chance in the 12th minute, when Aboubakary Koita took a free kick, the ball went straight into the top corner and Mendy was beaten but it hit the crossbar. The Lions of Teranga took an unexpected lead in the 27th minute after a terrible reaction from the hosts’ defence. Pepe Matar Sarr came from the left and crossed the ball into the goal area where Habib Diallo headed the ball into the net, even though he was between a defender and the home keeper, who both should have prevented the goal easily. The host had another good opportunity in injury time when Aboubakary Koita took a great shot from 18 meters, but Mendy was there to save a certain goal.##NAJAVA_MECA_8151657##The second half started with Senegal’s goal in the second minute, but the referee was quick to disallow it, due to the fact that Ismaila Sarr was offside. After a boring 20 minutes without any chances, the hosts had another great chance. Koita was in the middle of it again with a shot inside the penalty area, which Mendy initially saved, but the rebound came to Mahmoud, who managed to miss the entire goal in a very favourable situation. Senegal looked for that second goal to close the game, but he never came. In fact, they didn’t even create a good chance.
