Dar es Salaam. Veteran defender Shomari Kapombe wrote his name into the history books with a dramatic 89th-minute winner that handed hosts Tanzania a crucial 1-0 victory over Mauritania in a tense Group B clash at the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Wednesday night.
Played under the electric atmosphere of the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, the match looked destined for a draw until Kapombe’s moment of brilliance sparked jubilation among the home crowd and secured Tanzania’s place at the summit of Group B with a perfect six points from two matches.
Kapombe, the ever-reliable Azam FC defender and one of the most experienced heads in the Taifa Stars setup, found himself in the right place at the right time, latching onto a delightful through ball from midfielder Iddy Nado and calmly dispatching a powerful finish past Mauritania’s goalkeeper Abderrahmane Sarr.
Tanzania in Control, Mauritania in Trouble
With this win, Tanzania have now registered back-to-back victories without conceding a single goal, having earlier seen off Burkina Faso 2-0 in their opening match.
The result puts them firmly in control of Group B and on course for a place in the quarter-finals a significant step for a team playing in front of their passionate home fans.
For Mauritania, however, the pressure is mounting.
The defeat leaves them with only one point from two games and needing a miracle in their final group fixture to avoid elimination.
Head coach Aritz López Garai will be disappointed, especially after his side controlled possession for large spells but lacked the clinical edge in the final third.
Tactical Duel and a Cagey First Half
The opening 45 minutes were a tight, tactical affair, with both sides showing respect for each other and defending resolutely.
Tanzania, buoyed by their opening win, started on the front foot but struggled to break down a well-organized Mauritanian defense.
Mauritania, meanwhile, were not without chances. Mohamed Zweide and El Mami Tetah both tested the Tanzanian backline, and their best opportunity came just before the break when Ahmed El Moctar forced a low save from Tanzanian keeper Yakoub Suleiman, who once again proved to be a safe pair of hands between the sticks.
On the Tanzanian end, Feisal Salum and Iddy Nado tried to dictate the tempo from midfield, and though they created half-chances, the final ball often lacked precision.
Coach Hemed Suleiman ‘Morocco’ had warned about complacency in his pre-match remarks, and the first half showed why.
Second Half Brings Renewed Intensity
The second half saw both teams make substitutions in search of fresh legs and attacking impetus.
Tanzania introduced Ahmed Pipino and Nassor Saadun to increase pace on the wings, while Mauritania responded with Cheikh Hattab and Sidi Touda.
Despite the tactical tweaks, clear chances remained rare.
Mauritania came close in the 80th minute when Hattab’s long-range drive forced Suleiman into another alert save.
At the other end, Clement Mzize nearly found the net with a curling effort that narrowly missed the top corner.
But just as it seemed both teams would settle for a point, the moment of magic arrived.
Kapombe Delivers a Moment to Remember
In the 89th minute, with the stadium holding its breath, Kapombe surged forward from the back, timed his run perfectly, and met a delicate pass from Nado.
With nerves of steel, he fired a powerful right-footed shot past Sarr into the roof of the net a finish any striker would be proud of.
The eruption of noise from the stands was deafening.
Fans leapt to their feet in celebration, waving flags, chanting, and creating a carnival atmosphere that captured the spirit of CHAN a tournament designed to spotlight local talent and foster national pride.
Late Drama but Tanzania Hold On
The final minutes were chaotic. Mauritania, desperate for an equaliser, threw everyone forward.
The game descended into a series of fouls, bookings, and heated moments. Sidi Touda and Yakoub Suleiman were both shown yellow cards as tempers flared.
Despite the frantic finish, Tanzania held firm.
Their defense, led by Kapombe and Dickson Job, showed resilience and leadership to secure all three points.
When the final whistle blew, the celebration was one of relief and satisfaction this was not just a win, but a statement.
Group B Standings: Tanzania Lead the Pack
With six points from two matches and no goals conceded, Tanzania sit proudly atop Group B. Burkina Faso, with three points, remain in contention, while Mauritania, Madagascar, and Central African Republic now face mathematical odds.
Mauritania must now beat Burkina Faso in their final group match and hope other results swing their way.
Tanzania, on the other hand, are in a position to rotate their squad in the next fixture against Central African Republic, with one eye already on the quarter-finals.
Coach Hemed is expected to rest key players like Feisal Salum, Kapombe, and Yakoub Suleiman in the final group game against Madagascar, ensuring they are fresh for the knockout rounds.
What They Said
Speaking after the match, Coach Hemed Suleiman praised his team’s discipline and fighting spirit:
“We knew Mauritania would be a tough opponent. They were good technically and held the ball well, but our boys stuck to the plan. I’m proud of how we responded in the second half.”
Mauritania’s coach Garai admitted disappointment but refused to give up:
“This was painful. We deserved something today, but football is about small moments. We still believe and we’ll fight until the end.”
Up Next
Tanzania vs Madagascar – Final Group B Match
Mauritania vs Burkina Faso – Must-Win Clash
