Mali national team today held the Mauritania to 2-2 draw in a tension soaked encounter at the Sheihk Ould Badia Stadium in Noukchott in a 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) final round qualifying match.

In a match watched by a capacity filled stadium, the Eagles opened scoring in the 2nd minute, a goal scored by Mandala Konte with the Mauritanians scoring the equaliser in the next minute.

Samba Moussa restored the lead for the home team in 18th minutes before Dirra scored three minutes later through a well caculated shot.

In the second half,introduction of Mouhnise Dodda added bite to the Mauritania attack as the Corentins Martins-led team nearky scored its third goal in the 80 minitue off a shot from danger man El Mostapha Diaw off a Chargrane’s effort.

But their hope of a possible victory was never attained as Mali defended their hard earned draw hanging Mauritania’s hope of qualifying for next year’s Chan in Kenya, in a balance.

Mauritania starting XI: Mohamed WADE , Moussa BAGHAYOGHO (cap), Yaly Mohamed DELLAHI, Abdoulaye GUEYE ,SAMBA Moussa Abdallahi, Abdallahi Chagrane YATMA, Mohammed Wade ,Mohamed El Moustapha BADIANE, El Hassen Salem HOUEIBIB, El Mostapha DIAW, El Moctar SALEM.

# Substitutes: Boubacar SALAHDIN – Sidi Mohamed BILAL «N’Gara», El Hassen LEMRABOTT – Mouhsine BODDA, Djiby DIOP, Houmeye TANJY, Moussa Karamokho TRAORÉ