The 2024 African Nations Championship kicked off at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam with a tightly contested 0-0 draw between Madagascar and Mauritania, as the Malagasy side held firm despite playing nearly an entire half with ten men.

Mauritania started strongly, dominating early possession and forcing a save from goalkeeper Michel within the opening five minutes. But Madagascar quickly settled, pressing well in midfield and nearly taking the lead through Rayan’s header in the 16th minute, which just sailed over.

The match’s most dramatic moment came on the half-hour mark when Mauritania were awarded a penalty after Rado appeared to handle the ball during a set-piece. However, following a VAR review, the referee reversed the decision, ruling no handball.

Madagascar’s task became even harder in the 40th minute when captain Dax was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Despite the setback, the Malagasy team maintained their composure and discipline, keeping Mauritania at bay through the end of the first half.

Both teams made several changes at the break, but Madagascar impressively continued to press high and disrupt Mauritania’s rhythm. Even with a numerical advantage, Mauritania struggled to create clear chances, often denied by a solid defensive setup and the alert Michel in goal.

Madagascar thought they had snatched a late winner in the 86th minute after a long-range shot was spilled by the Mauritania goalkeeper and the rebound tucked in, but the flag was up for offside.

The referee added two minutes of stoppage time, during which Mauritania made one final push, but the Malagasy defense stood tall to secure a valuable point.

The result leaves both teams tied on one point in Group B, sitting behind leaders Tanzania, who opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso. Up next, Mauritania take on the hosts on August 6 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, while Madagascar face Tanzania three days later on August 9, also at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.