Group B action at the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 produced high drama and decisive outcomes on Saturday in Dar es Salaam. In the early fixture at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Mauritania kept their campaign alive with a narrow but priceless 1-0 win over the Central African Republic (CAR). Later, at the electric Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, hosts Tanzania delighted a sea of home fans with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar, sealing their first-ever CHAN quarter-final place with a match to spare.

Mauritania 1–0 Central African Republic

The Mourabitounes, fully aware that only three points would keep them in the race, began with sharp intent. Their reward came in the 9th minute when Ahmed El Moctar arrived unmarked at the far post to meet Abdallahi Mahmoud’s precise cross, tucking the ball calmly beyond goalkeeper Geoffrey Lembet. It was Mauritania’s first goal of the tournament and only their second victory in CHAN history, underscoring its importance.

CAR responded with urgency, creating their first big chance in the 17th minute when Flory Yangao’s powerful header forced Abderrahmane Sarr into a full-stretch save. In the 28th minute, Ronaldo Zé went close with a low strike that skimmed the post. Mauritania’s defence, marshalled by Demini Saleck and Alassane Diop, absorbed sustained pressure, keeping the Beasts at bay.

Coach Artiz López Garai made his first substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing in midfielder Youssouf Sy to add composure in possession. CAR pushed hard in the final quarter-hour, and in the 84th minute, substitute Thierry Tenebre saw his deflected shot loop agonisingly over the bar. Sarr’s finest moment came deep into stoppage time, when he produced a reflex block to deny Ronaldo Zé from point-blank range, preserving the lead.

Tanzania 2–1 Madagascar

Under the floodlights at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania wasted no time seizing control. In the 14th minute, Yanga SC striker Clement Mzize reacted quickest after Madagascar’s defense failed to clear a low cross from Mudathir Yahya, slotting home from inside the penalty area to give the hosts a deserved lead. The stadium had barely settled before Mzize struck again in the 20th minute, beating his marker to connect a cross from a Shomari Kapombe set-piece, sending the Taifa Stars’ supporters into a frenzy.

Madagascar, stunned by the early double blow, fought back. In the 34th minute, Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa whipped in a dangerous ball from the left, and Razafimahatana pounced after a moment of hesitation in Tanzania’s backline to slot home, halving the deficit. The goal gave the Barea renewed belief heading into halftime.

The second half began with Madagascar pushing forward. In the 52nd minute, Jean Ranaivoson’s curling effort was tipped over by Aishi Manula. Coach Hemed Suleiman reacted quickly, replacing Yahya with Pascal Msindo in the 56th minute to strengthen midfield coverage. Madagascar introduced Fenohasina Razafimaro in the 61st minute to inject pace, and his cross in the 64th minute flashed dangerously across goal, just beyond Razafimahatana’s reach.

Tanzania almost restored their two-goal cushion in the 72nd minute when Kapombe’s thunderous free-kick narrowly cleared the crossbar. In the 78th minute, Suleiman brought on Nassor Saadun for Mzize to preserve the lead and add defensive energy. Madagascar’s final push saw substitute Tojo Andrianarimanana test Manula from distance in the 85th minute, but the keeper was equal to the task.

In the final minutes , Tanzania adopted a game-management approach, slowing the tempo and frustrating their opponents. Clement Mzize, chasing a hat-trick, was substituted late to a standing ovation. When the whistle finally went, the Taifa Stars celebrated a perfect record, three wins, five goals scored, and just one conceded and confirmed their place in the knockout phase with a game to spare

For Mauritania, the earlier victory means they remain in the hunt for a quarter-final place, while CAR’s second consecutive loss leaves them facing an uphill battle.