A hard fought match between evenly matched opponents ended with home side Equatorial Guinea coming out on top in a 1-0 victory over Mauritania for their first points in FIFA World Cup qualifying. Iban Salvador Edú provided the match’s lone goal from the penalty spot and a solid defensive performance did the rest of the work in Malabo to boost the Nzalang Nacional into a tie with Zambia for second place in Group B. For Mauritania, it is two losses to confirm a worrying start in their campaign.
There was a long period of cautiousness from both sides with a priority placed on keeping a clean sheet rather than getting caught being too adventurous. Poor play from Mauritania in trying to build out of the back led to the game’s opening chance going to the hosts. In the 39th minute center back Bakary N’Diaye played a questionable backpass that gave goalkeeper Namori Diaw all sorts of trouble with the ball bouncing and a Ecuatorial Guinea forward Oscar Siafa bearing down. Diaw did just enough to throw Siafa off as he headed the ball wide of an empty net.
The breakthrough for the hosts arrived in the 56th minute when Mauritania midfielder Abdallahi Mahmoud tripped up Josete after the attacker slipped by Mahmoud on the end line, leading to a penalty kick. Edú converted the penalty with little issue and the Nzalang Nacional had a lead to defend.
Mauritania generated several chances in their attempts to get back in the match with substitute Ismail Diakhite having a couple of good looks on goal. However, Nzalang keeper Jesus Owono came came up with saves on both occasions to preserve the lead and help the hosts hold out for three massive points at home.
Highlights of the match are in the link below.
