Mauritania stun Mali to reach CHAN finals

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Saturday Aug 19, 2017. 21:29

Mauritania stunned Mali 1-0 in the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers on Saturday.

The hard-fought victory earns Les Mourabitones a place in next year CHAN finals after winning the tie 3-2 on aggregate.

The West Zone A second-leg clash was played at the Stade Modibo Kéïta in Mali's capital city, Bamako.

The visitors took the lead in the 27th minute and it was Abdoulaye Gaye, who hit the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Mauritania.

Mali's Sekou Diarra then received a red card and Mauritania held on to their lead until the referee blew the half-time whistle.

Les Mourabitones also stood firm at the back in the second-half against Les Aigles and ultimately, they ran out 1-0 winners.

Mauritania qualify for the CHAN finals for the second time having participated in the 2014 tournament in South Africa.