Mauritania coach Abdou praises his players after CHAN exit

Mauritania coach Amir Abdou has praised his players despite their exit from the 2022 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after the quarter-final stage.

The Mourabitounes suffered a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in Annaba on Friday night to putting an end to their exciting run in the competition for players plying their trade in their domestic leagues.

Lamine Camara's first half penalty was the difference in the game but Abdou congratulated his side for their resilience.

"I am really confused because our players played well tonight. They showed the image of Mauritania, but luck didn't compensate us," Amir said.

"We were passive in the final third. We made a monumental error in the penalty situation. I have not watched the video again. I congratulate my players and the Senegal team. We have more beautiful stories to write with this team.

The 50-year-old suggested that his side did not suffer against the Teranga Lions, and had their fair share of chances in the game.

"We conceded from a corner that resulted in a penalty. We had a number of half chances but didn't take them. It is up to us to learn the lessons and improve from here.

"There was no suffering tonight. Just one mistake. They had chances, we had ours. Both sides had three good chances, but the difference is they took their chance in attack."

It was the first time Mauritania reached the quarter-final phase of the CHAN in just their third participation.

Leaving the competition with just one goal conceded, and topping a group that had regulars like Mali and Angola, is definitely a big step in the right direction for the Mourabitounes.

"There's hope and quality in this team. Tonight we didn't do well in the final third. We can't cast doubts because of what happened tonight. We have never reached the last eight, we did so time around. We have a new challenge and we will rise to it.

"The goal tonight is just the second we conceded. We stay positive and move on. Today we were good, but the difference was made in terms of speed and determination. I appreciate my players for the efforts and we keep working to get better.

"We will have loved to continue, but this is part of football. We are going to move forward and try to do something good for Mauritania," Amir stated.

The tactician was given a standing ovation by the media as he exited the press conference hall at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba.