Togo coach Nibombé Daré blames weather conditions after costly defeat to Mauritania in World Cup qualifiers

Togo’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup took a major blow on Friday as they fell 2-0 to Mauritania in Nouadhibou, a result that leaves the Hawks on the brink of elimination from the African qualifiers.

The Group B fixture, played at the Stade Municipal de Nouadhibou, saw the Mourabitounes claim their first victory of the campaign and condemn Nibombé Daré’s side to a damaging defeat.

With only four points collected from six matches, Togo remain fourth in the standings, far behind leaders DR Congo, Senegal and Sudan.

Daré, speaking at the post-match press conference, did not shy away from his team’s shortcomings but was quick to highlight the difficult playing environment as a contributing factor.

“The pitch was difficult, with strong winds, poor lighting and glare from the floodlights,” he explained. “These are not excuses, but it was not ideal for playing football.”

A Night to Forget

Togo, missing several key players including Kennedy Boateng and Josué Homawoo, struggled from the outset. Mauritania, led by forward Aboubakar Kamara, seized the initiative early and pressed with greater intensity.

The Hawks were unsettled by the home side’s physical approach and were punished when defensive lapses allowed the Mourabitounes to strike twice.

“We were surprised from the first minutes. Mauritania showed more desire in the duels,” admitted Daré, who lamented his side’s inability to control the tempo or adapt to the conditions.

Even so, the Togolese had opportunities to change the game. Early chances for Fo-Doh Laba and Ihlas Bebou went begging, leaving the visitors without a foothold as Mauritania capitalised on their rare openings.

“They deserved their victory,” Daré conceded. “They were more physically committed, and we were unable to impose our game.”

The performance marked a clear regression compared to the reverse fixture in Lomé, where Togo fought to a spirited 2-2 draw. This time, the Hawks lacked the resilience and sharpness needed to compete at this level, and the result left both players and supporters dispirited.

Qualification Hopes Fading

The defeat leaves Togo with four points from six matches — drawn four, lost two — while DR Congo sit on 13 points, with Senegal and Sudan both on 12. The gulf is such that Daré himself admitted qualification is now little more than a distant dream.

“I’m sorry. With today’s results, we are practically eliminated,” the coach said, acknowledging the slim mathematical chance that remains. “We must now focus on showing character and giving our fans something to be proud of.”

Despite the disappointment, Daré accepted full responsibility for the team’s trajectory. While critical of the conditions in Nouadhibou, he stressed the need to regroup quickly for the fixtures ahead, particularly the looming home clash with Sudan in Lomé on 9 September.

A Test of Character

That match at the Stade de Kégué will be crucial, not for qualification, but for restoring pride. Supporters, caught between frustration and resignation, expect a response from a side that has consistently underperformed throughout the campaign.

“The most important thing now is to remobilise the squad,” Daré insisted. “We must show character for our fans. Qualification may be out of reach, but we still have a duty to fight until the very end.”

For Togo, the road to the 2026 World Cup looks all but closed. Yet for Daré and his players, the remaining matches represent an opportunity to salvage dignity, restore belief, and rebuild for the future.