Tanjy reveals Mauritania desire for more after CHAN exit

Mauritania striker Hemeya Tanjy has revealed that their desire of was to reach furter than the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after they were knocked out by Senegal.

The 24-year-old won the TotalEnergies Man of the Match' award as they suffered a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to the Teranga Lions in Annaba on Friday.

Lamine Camara's 34th minute converted spot-kick made the difference in the contest and Tanjy revealed that his team was devoted to reaching the last four of the tournament in Algeria.

"The team really wanted to qualify to the semi-final but this is football. We accept the result and move on. This price means a lot to me as a local player. We didn't qualify but I thank our people for the support," the FC Nouadhibou forward said.

Ahead of the match in the Algerian city of Annaba, there was a minute's of silence in memory of Mauritania Football Association vice president. Pape Amghar, who died at the tournament during the week.

Tanj says players of the national team were keen on honouring Pape Amghar with a victory in the match because of his contributions to the game in the country.

"Mr. Pape Amghar was with us all along. He gave a lot. We hoped to win for him today but thank God he saw our historic quarter-final qualification and we continue to pray for him and his family."

With 11-goals, Hemeya Tanjy came into the CHAN as the top scorer in his country's domestic league and traces of his performances at home could be seen against the Teranga Lions.

His work ethic and movement off the ball kept Senegal's defensive pair of Diouf and Ndiaye on their toes.

Mauritania exit the tournament but they do so with pride as they made the quarter-final for the first time in the tournament after two unsuccessful attempts in 2014 and 2018.

The Teranga Lions advance to the semi-final where they will face the winner of the match between Madagascar and Mozambique.