Mauritania secured a historic 1-0 victory over Algeria in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group D match played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké on Tuesday night.
This was the Lions of Chinguetti's first-ever win in the Afcon finals and they finished third in the Group D standings. Therefore, Mauritania progressed to the Round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Algeria, on the other hand, surprisingly finished fourth in the Group D standings with only two points. As a result, the two-time African champions bow out of the tournament in the group stage.
The Desert Foxes were the better side in the opening exchanges as they dominated possession while searching for an early goal. Goalkeeper Babacar Niasse was forced to produce a fabulous save to deny Adam Ounas in the 19th minute.
However, the Lions of Chinguetti improved gradually as the match progressed and they managed to open the scoring in the 37th minute. Mohamed Dellahi was afforded space and time to fire past keeper Anthony Mandrea and Mauritania were 1-0 up at halftime.
With his side trailing 1-0 at halftime, coach Djamel Belmadi introduced Algeria's inspirational captain Riyad Mahrez. The Al Ahli Saudi winger set up Ounas and Hicham Boudaoui who were both denied by Niasse in the 51st minute and 60th minute respectively.
Algeria attacked in numbers and they were left vulnerable at the back, and were nearly punished by Bakari Camara who was denied by Mandrea in stoppage time. Ultimately, the match ended in a 1-0 win in favour of Mauritania who were able to contain their much-fancied opponents.
Mauritania (1) 1 (Dellahi 37')
Algeria (0) 0
Mauritania: Naisse, Diaw, Ba, Dellahi (Houeibib 68'), I. Keita, Gassama, Koita (Kamara 82'), Bodda, Thiam (Ibnou Ba 82'), Amar (B Camara 81'), Anne (Fofana 71').
Algeria: Mandrea, Mandi, Atal (Van Den Kerkhof 81'), Tougai, Ait Nouri, Aouar (Mahrez 46'), Zerrouki, Ounas (Belaili 62'), Boudaoui (Bentaleb 62'), Bounedjah, Amoura (Slimani 69').