Angola put in a fine performance against Mauritania in Group D on Saturday, January 20, the 2nd day of the AFCON 2023. The Palancas Negras won 3-2 to top the group.
After a 1-1 draw with Algeria on Matchday 1 in Group D, Angola were determined to bounce back and give themselves every chance of qualifying for the last 16 of AFCON 2023. Facing Mauritania on Saturday January 20, the Angolans won 3-2 after a spectacular match on Matchday 2.In the 30th minute, following a corner, Gelson Dala took advantage of a throw-in from one of his team-mates to open the scoring acrobatically. The Palancas Negras took the lead.However, the lead was short-lived.In the 43rd minute, Sidy Amar collected the ball 35 yards from goal. The Mauritanian beat several Angolan defenders before firing past the keeper.The two teams were level again. It was 1-1 when the two teams went in at the interval.
In the second half, Angola turned up the heat. Gelson Dala (50th) scored twice, before Gilberto (53rd) completed the scoring. But Aboubakary Koïta (58th) reduced the deficit with a magnificent strike. What a superb game. Mauritania rushed forward to equalize, but to no avail. In Group D of the AFCON 2023, Angola lead the way (4 pts), along with Burkina Faso. Algeria (3rd, 2 pts) and Mauritania (4th, 0 pt) follow.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇲🇷 2-3 🇦🇴
Angola caught the win after an incredible five goal show from both teams! 🔥#MTNANG | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @Football2Gether
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 20, 2024
