Algeria’s journey in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations came to an end as underdogs Mauritania secured a historic first-ever victory in the finals, earning themselves a place in the last 16.
Center-back Yali Dellahi delivered the decisive blow with a late first-half goal, securing a surprising victory that left the two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, Algeria, stunned.
This defeat marks the second consecutive group stage exit for the 2019 champions. Algeria concludes at the bottom of Group D, while Mauritania secures progression as one of the best third-placed teams.
In the last 16, Mauritania is set to face the unexpected Group B winners, Cape Verde, at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on Monday at 17:00 GMT.
Algeria’s elimination adds them to the list of former champions, with Ghana also exiting the tournament earlier on Tuesday due to insufficient points, preventing them from qualifying as one of the top four third-placed teams.
The Lions of Chinguetti had to endure late pressure and survive over 11 minutes of stoppage time as Algeria sought an equalizer that would have sent them through at the expense of Mauritania.
But the underdogs were good value for a victory that sent them into the knock-out stages alongside second-placed Burkina Faso and Angola, who sealed top spot in the group by beating the Burkinabe 2-0.
Abject Algeria punished by magnificent Mauritania
Algeria, having drawn their initial two group matches in Ivory Coast, understood that another draw at the Stade de la Paix would secure their qualification, as a single point would place them among the top four third-placed teams.
Conversely, their opponents, who had suffered losses in their first two matches, needed nothing less than a victory. This contrast was evident throughout the game, with Mauritania displaying a more purposeful and threatening style of play.
Despite a slightly nervy opening half-hour, during which Houssem Aouar missed a decent chance for Algeria with a wide volley, Mauritania proved to be more than a match for the North Africans from that point onward.
Mauritania’s first scoring opportunity saw Souleymane Anne denied by Anthony Mandrea, but Algeria failed to clear the ensuing corner, allowing Dellahi to capitalize and send the underdogs into jubilation.
Mauritania had opportunities to widen their margin of victory in the second half, squandering several chances against an Algeria side repeatedly exposed and struggling on the counter.
However, Aboubakary Koita squandered an opportunity by blazing over the goalpost after a brilliant solo run. Additionally, Mandrea made a crucial save from Aboubakar Kamara, and Pape Ibnou Ba hit the bar from close range when scoring seemed easier than missing.
Despite these missed chances by Mauritania, Algeria lacked the tactical awareness to capitalize on their opponent’s errors. The introduction of Riyad Mahrez at halftime, surprisingly omitted from the starting lineup by manager Djamel Belmadi, injected more creativity into Algeria’s play.
The former Manchester City winger played a pivotal role in their best opportunities, as his crosses set up Hicham Boudaoui’s header and Aissa Mandi’s volley, both of which were brilliantly saved by Babacar Niasse.
In a tense final period that saw nearly a dozen minutes of added time, Niasse made another crucial save to deny Mandi. The final whistle brought scenes of jubilation for the north-west Africans. This victory marked another significant achievement for coach Amir Amdou, who previously guided Comoros to the last 16 in their debut at the 2021 finals, eventually losing to hosts Cameroon.
Despite having the best qualifying record for the 2023 finals, several Algerian players left the field in tears as they exited the tournament without a single victory in the last two editions since winning the title four years ago.