AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Mauritania begin campaign in style with win over Central African Republic

Mauritania have made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign after defeating the Central African Republic 3-1 in Group F.

The result also handed new head coach Aritz López Garai a perfect start to his tenure as Mauritania’s manager, with his side showing enough composure and attacking quality to overcome a determined Central African Republic side.

The match was played at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, after delays in securing approval for a suitable stadium in Mauritania forced the designated hosts to stage the fixture on neutral ground.

Mauritania controlled much of the opening period, using their experience to dictate possession and restrict the Central African Republic to a largely defensive role.

Their attacking strategy centred on the wide areas, with the hosts repeatedly looking to stretch the opposition and create space for their forwards in the final third.

Koïta breaks the deadlock

Mauritania’s pressure eventually produced the breakthrough in the 32nd minute.

A poorly timed challenge inside the penalty area gave the referee little choice but to award a penalty, presenting Mauritania with an opportunity to take control of the contest.

Aboubakary Koïta accepted the responsibility and made no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Mauritania a 1-0 lead.

The goal rewarded Mauritania for their sustained pressure and allowed them to approach the remainder of the first half with greater confidence.

They kept the Central African Republic from creating any immediate response and went into the interval ahead.

However, their advantage disappeared shortly after the restart.

Koyalipou restores Central African Republic’s belief

The visitors caught Mauritania off guard in the 48th minute after winning possession following a loose pass in midfield.

The Central African Republic quickly moved through the centre before Goduine Koyalipou finished the counter-attack with composure to bring the score level at 1-1.

The equaliser briefly changed the complexion of the match, with the visitors growing in confidence and Mauritania forced to reorganise defensively.

López Garai’s side, though, responded well and regained their lead in the 69th minute.

A set-piece created confusion inside the Central African Republic penalty area, and Dawda Camara reacted quickest to the loose ball before firing it into the net.

The goal restored Mauritania’s advantage and placed the pressure back on the visitors to find another equaliser.

Late Diallo strike seals the points

With the Central African Republic pushing forward in search of a second goal, spaces began to open up behind their defence.

Mauritania exploited those gaps late in the contest and delivered the decisive blow in the 89th minute.

Substitute Mamadou Diallo joined A. Mahmoud on a quick counter-attack before finishing the move to put Mauritania 3-1 ahead.

The late goal effectively ended the contest and ensured López Garai began his reign with a valuable three points.

Mauritania will now take confidence from the performance as they continue their Group F campaign, while the Central African Republic must regroup after surrendering their lead following Koyalipou’s second-half equaliser.