Ismael Diakite scores Mauritania's first goal against Yemen, yesterday.
The ongoing FIFA Arab Cup Qualifiers produced another fascinating match last night with Mauritania sealing their berth in the group stage after a 2-0 victory over spirited Yemen at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.
Ismael Diakite gave Mauritania the lead in the first half with Hemeya Tanjy sealing the victory as Mauritania joined Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Syria in Group B for the inaugural edition of the FIFA Arab Cup to take place in Qatar from November 30 to December 18.
Backed by a good number of fans last night, Mauritania started as hot favourites but Yemen were also impressive before a red card to Mudir Al Radaei, seven minutes before half-time, cost them dearly.
The match swung both ends in the start with Mauritania creating good opportunities to score early. The Africans finally took the lead in the 18th minute when Adam Ba assisted Diakite, who put the ball back of the net in style.
Yemen, attempted for an equaliser in the second half but they were resisted well by a solid attack from the opposition. While the Asian side was looking for a leveller, Tanjy sneaked in to double the advantage for Mauritania, five minutes before time as Corentin Martins-coached side advanced.
Lebanon eye coveted Arab Cup berth today
After qualifying for the next round of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying, Lebanon are eyeing another achievement this month as they meet Djibouti in a play-off for the first FIFA Arab Cup.
Action will return to the iconic Khalifa International Stadium tonight in the inter-continental clash that will see the winners joining Algeria, Egypt and Sudan in Group D.
Lebanon coach Jamal Taha said qualifying for the Arab Cup will be a proud moment for his side, which is eyeing a strong show against their African opponents.
“We are ready to face Djibouti and our goal is to win this match and qualify for the Arab Cup,” Taha told reporters at a virtual news conference yesterday.
“The recent Asian Qualifiers were the best preparations for us ahead of this match and we will utilise all this experience in the match against Djibouti,” he said. The Lebanon coach added that Arab Cup will be a huge tournament for his side.
“The Arab Cup will be like a mini-World Cup. A competition involving all Arab teams is important, especially since this has not happened since a long time,” he said.
A victory against Lebanon today will also be a huge morale-booster for Djibouti, who will continue their World Cup journey in the second round group stage versus Algeria, Burkina Faso and Niger later this year.
But coach Julien Mette, who is missing several key players in the match, said it is going to be a big challenge.
“We are determined to well and book a place in the Arab Cup,” Djibouti coach told reporters yesterday.
“We have watched five matches involving the Lebanese side and we are well aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They are good team and the match will definitely be difficult,” he added reposing confidence in his side.
“We have a young team, having an average age of 25 years who have the desire to prove themselves,” he said.
The match will begin at 8pm.
