Angola secured their first win at this year's Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Mauritania in a five-goal thriller on Saturday evening.
Africa Cup of Nations
Result: Mauritania 2-3 Angola
Date: 20 January 2024
Venue: Stade de Bouake
Mauritania striker Aboubakar Kamara's injury against Burkina Faso forced him to drop to the bench while fellow forward Lamine Ba, who also limped off in that game recovered to lead the line.
The Lions of Chinguetti had a bright start as Pape Ibnou Ba had a good chance on 17 minutes at the back post but guided his header over the crossbar.
Mauritania were forceful once they entered the last third and just before the half-hour mark Ba had a one-on-one chance after he beat the offside trap but was denied by goalkeeper Neblu.
Angola were in the game as Gelson Dala eventually broke the deadlock moments later with a bouncing strike at the back post from a set-piece situation.
Mauritania were patient on their build-up but quick in dangerous areas, as Sidi Bouna Amar levelled matters with a brilliant shot in the box from a solo run after he dribbled his way to the box.
The Southern African side had a perfect start in the second stanza after Dala gave them a 2-1 lead seven minutes from the break and grabbed his brace after he chipped goalkeeper Babacar Niasse from a through ball in the box.
Angola remained on the front foot and Gilberto made it 3-1 just a minute later with a strike that took a nasty deflection in the box and wrong-footed Niasse.
Amir Abdou's charges did not drop their heads as Aboubakary Koita gave them a big hope of a comeback on the hour-mark after pulled a goal back with a bullet strike from range.
Mauritania threatened to get the equaliser in the closing stages but Neblu had to make a great save and Niasse also made a good save at the other end, as Angola topped Group D with four points and Mauritania remained at the bottom with zero points.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments
