Mauritania after earning their first ever win at AFCON, will progress as one of the best third-placed teams
By Kehinde Okeowo
Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON) underdogs, Mauritania booked their place in the last 16 of the competition after beating one of the tournament favourites, Algeria 1-0 in their final group game.
Mauritania’s centre-back, Yali Dellahi swept home the winning goal late in the added time of the first half to stun the two-time Afcon winners.
Defeat means Algeria exited the tournament at the group stage for the second successive edition.
They also finished bottom of Group D while Mauritania progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after winning their first game at AFCON.
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Meanwhile, Angola beat Burkina Faso 2-0 to clinch top spot in Group D of 2023 AFCON.
Mabululu headed in Fredy’s free-kick nine minutes before the break to put the Palancas Negras ahead.
Burkina Faso winger, Dango Ouattara later forced a save from Neblu but it was Angola’s Zine who ensured his side secured the win with a close-range finish in stoppage time.
Despite the outcome of the encounter, both sides progressed to the rounds of 16 of the competition .
