Sudan made it two wins in as many games at the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) following a 1-0 result against Mauritania on Wednesday evening.
Mohamed Walaedin’s first-half strike proved to be enough as the Falcons of Jediane sealed their spot in the quarterfinals of the competition, alongside hosts Morocco in Group A.
Mauritania registered the first attempt in anger as Moulaye Bessam guided a powerful header on target in the 11th minute. The forward looked sure to score, but his effort was expertly kept out by Elhadi Akram who made a stunning save.
It would be Sudan, though, to open the scoring on the night as Walaedin burst into the penalty area before thumping a right-footed finish into the back of the net on the half-hour mark.
Walaedin’s attempt was the difference between the two sides as the teams headed for the tunnel at the interval.
Mauritania came out guns blazing following the break and went close to grabbing the equaliser with 60 minutes on the clock. Omer Omer, though, was on hand to provide a timely interception with Babacar Bagili lurking at the near post.
The West Africans continued to push forward in search of their opening goal at the tournament, but Sudan’s defence held firm.
Victory books their place in the next round of the competition alongside the hosts, with a game against the Atlas Lions at the very same venue to follow in the next round of fixtures.
Already eliminated Mauritania and Guinea will meet at the same time as their Group A rivals on January 21, in what will be a dead-rubber clash in Marrakech.
Line-ups:
Sudan: Akram; A.Saeed, Bakri, Omer, Samawal – M.Tahir/69’ Maaz, Nasreldin, Elhag, M.Bachir/75’ Aagla – Walaedin/81’ Hashim, Saifeldin.
Mauritania: Souleimane; Wade, N’Gara, O.Mangane, M.Diaw – Dellahi – Bessam, Alassane/78’ Voullany, Teguedi/57’ Sileye, Tanjy – Bagili/65’ Karamokho
Watch highlights below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVDhvyHSLs4
