Tanzania are on the verge of securing a place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) following a dramatic 1-0 win over Mauritania on Wednesday night in Dar es Salaam.
Veteran defender Shomari Kapombe was the hero for the Taifa Stars, scoring the decisive goal in the 89th minute at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
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Kapombe made a well-timed run to connect with a slick through pass from Iddy Nado before calmly slotting the ball past Mauritania’s goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home fans and secured Tanzania’s second consecutive victory in Group B.
Tanzania now lead the group with six points from two matches and are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
Their solid defensive display and crucial moments of attacking quality have positioned them strongly for a place in the knockout stages.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with both teams showing tactical discipline but failing to create many clear-cut chances.
Mauritania looked dangerous in patches, particularly through Mohamed Zweide and El Mami Tetah.
Their best opportunity came in the 44th minute when Ahmed El Moctar forced a low save from Tanzanian goalkeeper Yakoub Suleiman.
Tanzania’s attacking efforts were largely limited to half chances, with Iddy Nado and Feisal Salum going close but unable to break the deadlock.
After the break, both sides made substitutions to change the tempo of the game. Tanzania introduced Ahmed Pipino and Nassor Saadun, while Mauritania brought on Cheikh Hattab and Sidi Touda.
The second half saw slightly more attacking intent, with Hattab testing Suleiman with a long-range shot in the 80th minute. Clement Mzize also went close for Tanzania shortly before Kapombe’s winner.
In stoppage time, Mauritania launched a desperate push for an equaliser but were unable to break through Tanzania’s defence.
The final minutes were scrappy, with yellow cards shown to both sides amid rising tension.
With just one point from two games, Mauritania now face a must-win clash against Burkina Faso and will be hoping for favourable results elsewhere.
Tanzania, on the other hand, at least two points in their remaining two games as another win in their next group game against Madagascar will be enough to send through to the quarter-finals.
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