Madagascar, Mauritania eye early advantage in Group B showdown
A thrilling contest is expected in Dar es Salaam on Sunday evening when Madagascar and Mauritania face off in a crucial Group B encounter of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.
Both sides are eyeing a winning start to set the tone for their campaign in what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the tournament yet.
Madagascar look to build on CHAN 2022 momentum
Madagascar arrive in Tanzania with confidence following their historic bronze-medal finish in Algeria two years ago. Led once again by coach Romuald Rakotondrabe, the Barea are aiming to consolidate their growth on the continental stage.
“This match is important because it’s our first. In any case, we are ready and everyone is fine, except for one player with an ankle injury,” said Rakotondrabe at the pre-match press conference.
Captain Andriamirado Aro Hasina, popularly known as “Dax”, echoed his coach’s optimism: “The match against Mauritania will not be easy. Our group is also tough, and all teams are strong. Personally, I don’t feel any pressure.”
Having finished third in 2022, the Malagasy side are determined to go even further this time around.
“Two years ago, we finished in third place. Now, like all teams, we want to go as far as possible, even though our group has five teams. We need to finish first or second to secure a place in the quarter-finals,” Dax added.
Mauritania aim to make statement in CHAN return
Mauritania, known as “Al-Mourabitoun”, see this edition of the tournament as an opportunity to reaffirm their progress in domestic football, especially after missing out on qualification for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Led by Spanish coach Aritz López Garai, Mauritania are hoping to make a strong impression early on. “This competition has a very particular style of play. I believe in our players — we have experienced players and younger ones. Our goal is clear: to go as far as possible in the tournament,” he said.
Captain Moulaye Ahmed Bessam, a veteran of the competition, emphasized the team’s determination: “The game against Madagascar will be difficult. All the players are focused. We’ve prepared well, and we’re here to win and honour our country. Everyone is ready for the match, God willing.”
With a blend of seasoned leaders and young talent, Mauritania are confident of making an impact and advancing further than their second-round finish in the last edition.
Tactical showdown expected
Both coaches are expected to deploy high-pressing, aggressive tactics as they aim for maximum points in their opening fixture. The match is likely to be a tight tactical battle requiring organisation, physical resilience, and clinical execution.
“To be honest, I don’t know the Mauritanian team very well,” admitted Rakotondrabe.
“What I know is that they have a good team and a Spanish coach. It will be a tough game against a team that plays well and has physically strong players. We’ll do everything to achieve a positive result, even though we know it will be a challenging match.”
His counterpart López Garai agreed: “It will be a tough game. We want to win this match.”
Strong start vital in tight group
With Group B featuring five teams, an opening win will provide a crucial boost to either side’s qualification hopes.
A loss could mean playing catch-up in the remaining fixtures, while a draw keeps both sides in contention.
“This is my fourth participation in the tournament,” said Mauritania’s Bessam.
“In the last edition, we reached the second round, and now we want to go even further. The group is not easy, but we are fully focused on the first match to secure the win.”
With experience on both benches and exciting players eager to impress, Madagascar vs Mauritania promises to be a high-quality encounter under the lights of Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
African football fans can look forward to a night of intensity, flair, and fierce competition — a fitting continuation to the 8th edition of the TotalEnergies CHAN PAMOJA 2024.
