Mauritania Claim First Win but Crash Out of World Cup Qualifiers

 Mauritania Claim First Win but Crash Out of World Cup Qualifiers



By: Emmanuel Patrick Laku | Sports Hunter South Sudan

Nouadhibou, Mauritania – 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers – Matchday 7

Mauritania earned their first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers with a confident 2-0 win over Togo on Friday at the Stade Municipal de Nouadhibou.

Papa Ndiaga Yade struck early in the 13th minute to give the hosts the lead, and Aly Abeid sealed the win in the 68th minute, marking a long-awaited breakthrough for coach Aritz López Garai’s side after six winless games.

The result lifts Mauritania to 4th place in Group B with 5 points, overtaking Togo. 

But despite the win, their hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup have officially ended — they are now mathematically eliminated from contention with three matchdays remaining. 

This comes after Senegal’s 2-0 win over Sudan, which narrowed the gap with group leaders DR Congo to just one point.

The outcome also has consequences for South Sudan, who now drop to the bottom of Group B with just 3 points from seven matches. 

The Bright Stars are also eliminated from the race and remain winless in the qualifiers under coach Nicolas Dupuis.

Next Fixture:

Mauritania will host South Sudan on Monday, 9 September 2025, at the Stade Municipal de Nouadhibou, as both sides look to restore pride and finish their campaigns on a high note.




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