Mauritania returns to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for a fourth appearance, hoping to build on their historic quarter-final finish in Algeria 2022. Les Mourabitounes has featured in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 editions, showing steady growth each time. Now under the guidance of Spanish coach Aritz López Garai, Mauritania is determined to write a new chapter and reach the latter stages of the competition. With an improving domestic league and clubs like FC Nouadhibou leading the way in continental club competitions, the CHAN squad draws from a pool that is steadily becoming more competitive.
The team’s preparations have been intense and consistent, with a training camp held in Nouakchott. During the build-up, Mauritania tested itself in several friendlies — a 0–0 draw against Burundi, a narrow 1–2 defeat to the Central African Republic, and two strong performances against higher-profile opponents: a 2–2 draw with Algeria and a 1–1 result against Tunisian giants Esperance du Tunis in Tabarka. Coach López Garai has emphasized intensity and identity in his squad, and he believes they are ready for the task ahead.
Official CHAN squad:
Goalkeepers:
Abderrahmane Sarr (Tevragh-Zeïna), Namouri Diao (Nouadhibou), Babacar Diop (Ksar)
Defenders:
Mohamed Diop, Mohamed Zuwayed, Abdullah Al-Eid, Sakrana Mhimeed, Noah Mohammed Al-Abed, Omar Mangan, Al-Damin Al-Salek
Midfielders:
Mohamed Said, Moulay Idriss, Abdallah Mahmoud, Sid Ahmed El Abed, El Hassan El Eid, Mohamed Lamine Hout, Alassane Diop, Moulay Ahmed Khalil, Sidi Touda, Mohamed El Kheir Faraji, Ahmed Mokhtar
Forwards:
Sheikh Al-Hattab, Al-Mami Tatah, Hamadi Andyai, Mahmoud Al-Hassan
Star Watch:
El Hacen El Id (FC Nouadhibou) – A veteran midfielder with European experience, El Id previously played for Spanish sides Levante and Lugo. Now back at home with Nouadhibou, his vision, composure, and tactical discipline make him the heartbeat of the national team. He’ll be crucial in dictating tempo and linking up play in tight games.
Moulay Ahmed Khalil – A familiar figure in the Mauritanian football scene, Khalil is known for his attacking intelligence and creativity. His ability to find spaces and deliver decisive passes adds an extra dimension to Mauritania’s midfield.
Abderrahmane Sarr (Tevragh-Zeïna) – Likely to start between the posts, Sarr brings leadership and consistency to the backline. His performances during the preparatory friendlies have given the technical bench confidence ahead of the group tests.
Mahmoud Al-Hassan – A forward with a poacher’s instinct, Al-Hassan has been one of the more clinical attackers in the domestic scene. His knack for finding the net could prove essential in tight matches.
Fixtures :
August 3 – Madagascar vs Mauritania | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam
August 6– Central African Republic vs Mauritania | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar Es Salaam.
August 9th – Tanzania vs Mauritania | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Dar es Salaam.
August 13th –Burkina Faso vs Mauritania | Amani Stadium, Zanzibar.
Mauritania enters CHAN 2024 with quiet confidence, shaped by disciplined preparations and a core of experienced players. For them to progress, they must maintain composure in key moments and convert their chances efficiently. If their midfield controls the rhythm and the forwards step up, a semi-final place is not beyond reach. But in a tightly matched group, consistency will be the difference between early exit and historic success.
