Mauritania Arrive in Mauritius Ahead of Crucial CAN Qualifier
Mauritania’s national football team, the Mourabitounes, have arrived in Mauritius ahead of their crucial return leg in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers.
The squad touched down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport near the capital early Thursday morning at 06:50 UT, following a long journey that included stopovers in Dakar, Senegal and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Upon arrival, the team travelled directly to Curepipe, Mauritius’ second-largest city, where they will face the hosts in Sunday’s decisive second-leg clash. The fixture will determine which side progresses in the qualification campaign.
Mauritania head into the match with a narrow advantage, having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg under the guidance of head coach Patrice Neveu. The result has bolstered hopes of reaching the next round, although the away fixture presents its own set of challenges.
Their arrival in Mauritius comes as a relief to many back home, after uncertainty surrounding the team’s travel arrangements. The Mauritanian Ministry of Sports had initially expressed reluctance to fund the trip, raising concerns about whether the fixture would go ahead as planned. However, those fears were eventually allayed, allowing the squad to make the journey.
The Mourabitounes will now focus on preparations as they look to build on their first-leg performance and continue their push toward qualification for the continental tournament. With morale high and momentum on their side, the team will be aiming to finish the job on Mauritian soil.
