AFCON 2017 Qualifiers: Mauritania Stun South Africa with 3-1 Victory
Mauritania reignited their hopes of qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with a stunning 3-1 win over South Africa in Nouakchott on Saturday.
In front of a passionate home crowd, the Mourabitounes delivered one of their most impressive performances in recent memory to claim all three points on Matchday 2 of the qualifiers.
Aly Abeid, Beyguili, and Bessam found the net for the hosts in a commanding display, while Thamsanqa Gabuza scored the lone goal for Bafana Bafana, temporarily drawing South Africa level after Abeid’s opener.
The result marks a significant boost for Mauritania, who now re-enter the qualification race in Group M, having lost their opening match to Cameroon. Saturday’s win also dealt a blow to South Africa, who were expected to be among the group favourites.
The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (FFRIM) quickly acknowledged the magnitude of the achievement by doubling the players’ match bonuses. According to Mauritanie Football, each member of the squad will receive €2,000, up from the standard €1,000 reward.
The win sparked wild celebrations in Nouakchott and has raised the profile of a team long considered outsiders in African football. The Mourabitounes will now look to build momentum as the qualifiers progress, with matches against Gambia and Cameroon still to come.
