TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024: Know Your Team: Mauritania

Mauritania, nicknamed Les Mourabitounes, heads into the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 with high hopes of surpassing their past achievements.

Having previously made three appearances, Mauritania’s best showing came in the last edition held in Algeria, where they reached the quarter-finals.

Under the guidance of Spanish coach Aritz López Garai, the team is eager to showcase their growth on the continental stage and aim for a memorable campaign.

Factfile

• Nickname: Les Mourabitounes
• Appearances: 3 (2014, 2018, 2022)
• Last Appearance: Algeria 2022
• Best Performance: Quarter-finals (2022)
• Titles: 0
• FIFA Ranking: 109

How They Qualified

Mauritania earned their ticket to CHAN 2024 with a solid performance in the qualifying rounds. Drawn against Mali in the second round, Mauritania won 1-0 in Nouakchott before holding their opponents to a 0-0 draw in Bamako. This result secured their place in the finals and highlighted their defensive discipline and tactical maturity.

Know Your Coach: Aritz López Garai

Spanish tactician Aritz López Garai took charge of the Mauritanian CHAN team in December 2023. With extensive coaching experience in Spain and Mauritania, López Garai has already made an impact by steering FC Nouadhibou to domestic success and a historic group-stage appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup.

A former player, López Garai featured for Spanish clubs such as Celta Vigo, Córdoba, and Sporting Gijón before transitioning to coaching. Known for his modern and attacking philosophy, he prioritizes a proactive style of play that seeks to dominate opponents.

As he embarks on his first national team competition, López Garai aims to lead Les Mourabitounes to a deeper run in CHAN 2024, building on the foundations laid during Mauritania’s previous campaigns.

Player to Watch: El Hacen El Id (FC Nouadhibou)

Midfielder El Hacen El Id brings a wealth of experience to Mauritania’s squad. A seasoned professional, El Id previously played for Spanish clubs such as Levante and Lugo, where he honed his skills.

At CHAN 2024, El Id’s leadership and technical ability will be critical for Mauritania’s ambitions. Known for his composure under pressure and vision on the pitch, the midfielder is expected to be the linchpin in López Garai’s setup, dictating play and creating opportunities for his team.

Mauritania at CHAN

CHAN 2024 marks Mauritania’s fourth appearance in the tournament. The team made its debut in 2014 in South Africa and has shown steady improvement over the years.

Their best performance came in Algeria 2022, where they advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time. This achievement underscored their growing competitiveness on the continental stage and serves as motivation for further progress in 2024.

What to Expect

Mauritania enters CHAN 2024 with a blend of youth and experience, aiming to build on their quarter-final finish from 2022. With a solid defensive unit and key players like El Hacen El Id leading the charge, the team is expected to adopt an organized and dynamic approach.

López Garai’s tactical expertise and attacking philosophy will play a crucial role in ensuring Mauritania competes effectively against some of Africa’s top teams.

Did You Know?

Mauritania’s first-ever CHAN victory came in 2022 when they defeated Mali 1-0 in the group stage. The result was a testament to the team’s growing stature and resilience on the continental stage.

Outlook for CHAN 2024

With a strong foundation and an ambitious coach at the helm, Mauritania is poised to make waves at CHAN 2024. Their target will be to build on their recent successes and secure a place in the semi-finals or beyond, cementing their status as a rising force in African football.