Mauritania Overcomes Financial Hurdles to Continue AFCON Campaign
Mauritania’s national football team, the Mourabitounes, have managed to keep their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign alive despite facing significant financial difficulties that nearly forced them to withdraw from their upcoming fixture.
Originally uncertain to travel due to funding issues, the team has now departed from the capital, Nouakchott, and is en route to Mauritius for the crucial second-leg qualifier. The squad made a stopover in Senegal before arriving in Dubai, where they are currently stationed for a brief training camp. They are expected to depart for Mauritius on Thursday.
The return match against Mauritius is scheduled for 20 April, though it will not be held in the capital city of Port Louis. Instead, the fixture will take place in Curepipe, the country’s second-largest city.
The logistical scramble comes after concerns were raised about Mauritania’s ability to fund the trip, highlighting the challenges smaller footballing nations often face in maintaining competitive participation in continental tournaments. Their successful departure underscores both the resilience of the team and the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensured the match would go ahead.
The tie remains crucial for Mauritania’s hopes of progressing further in the qualifiers. The team will be looking to build on their first-leg performance as they seek to continue their journey toward a place in the 2015 AFCON finals.
