Following the referee’s final whistle in the match between Mauritania and Algeria in the last round of the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, the streets of the capital, Nouakchott, erupted in celebration and jubilation over the historic first victory for the Al-Murabitun in this tournament, securing their place in the AFCON Round of 16.
Thousands of Mauritanians took to the streets in their cars, with passengers hanging out of windows holding Mauritanian flags, chanting, “Al-Murabitun, we are facing a long-awaited dream; we have qualified for the Round of 16 for the first time in history,” said Amanah Ould Sidi.
Amanah Ould Sidi, speaking to Sky News Arabia, added, “Tonight, we cannot sleep; we have become a nation of football.”
Mohamedn Ould Sheikh, accompanied by his family, decorated his car with Mauritanian flags, playing the celebratory anthem “For the Mauritanian National Team” on the car radio, surrounded by the excitement of his children.
Ould Sheikh stated, “Various pressures built up on me, especially when the referee added 11 minutes of injury time.
It was the toughest and longest moment I’ve ever experienced.
I couldn’t believe that we qualified at the expense of the 2019 champion.
We are grateful to goalkeeper Babacar Niasse, who preserved the dreams of more than 4 million people.”
The celebrations weren’t limited to men alone; Mauritanian men, women, and children took to the streets, continuing late into the night.
Social media platforms were abuzz with congratulations and praise for the national team’s performance.
Salma bint Ibrahim, not a regular football follower, also joined the celebrations with her family in the streets.
She said, “When it comes to the national team, no one can abstain from support and encouragement.”
She added to Sky News Arabia, “I don’t follow football, but I watched all the matches for the national team, and I will follow their journey in this tournament.
The idea of football is beautiful; it unites all components of the people and brings joy.”
In a muffled voice after the cheers, Mayor Yahya Ould Mohfoudh told Sky News Arabia, “We used to support Arab teams in the past because we did not have a team that could compete with the giants of the continent.
We were subject to ridicule when it came to football. Now we have eliminated Algeria, earned respect from everyone, and will overcome Cape Verde in the next round.
We are capable.”
Official Response
After hours of celebrations and commotion in Nouakchott, President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani tweeted on the Ex-Twitter platform, congratulating the “Al-Murabitun” national team on this historic victory.
Ould Ghazouani tweeted, “The victory was the result of an excellent performance, collective effort, and high national spirit.
هنيئا لمنتخبنا الوطني “المرابطون” على هذا الفوز الرائع والتأهل لأول مرة إلى الدور ثمن النهائي من كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023 ساحل العاج.
لقد كان الفوز نتيجة أداء رائع وجهد جماعي وروح وطنية عالية.. واصلوا فكل الشعب معكم.— Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani محمد ولدالشيخ الغزواني (@CheikhGhazouani) January 23, 2024
Keep going because the entire nation is with you.”
President Ghazouani made a video call to the national team residing in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, congratulating them on the win.
He affirmed that “the gracious Mauritanian people deserve this joy that has entered every home in our beloved country,” according to the statement from the Mauritanian Football Federation.
Several government officials and politicians also took to the streets alongside the revelers, celebrating this unprecedented football achievement.
