Brave Mauritania make Africa proud: World Champs barely beat Lions of Chinguetti
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 28.03.26. | 12:40
Even though many predicted the African team's catastrophe against star-studded Argentina, Lionel Messi and Co. in the end triumphed only 2-1
African national teams cannot cope with the world-class rivals from the rest of the world, you said? Are you sure? 100%? You'd better think twice!
After Argentina announced they'd play two friendly games against rivals from the "mother continent" - following the cancellation of the Finalissima - many predicted two easy wins for the World Champions and at least half a dozen goals in Mauritania and Zambia's nets.
Oh, how wrong everyone was...
Last night, the Albiceleste hosted Lions of Chinguetti in Buenos Aires, but instead of a convincing and crushing triumph, they barely brushed the sturdy Africans aside - 2-1.
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— FC One Football (@FCOneFootball) March 28, 2026
🇦🇷 Argentina 2-1 Mauritania 🇲🇷
▪️ Argentina defeated the modest Mauritanian national team in their preparation for the World Cup.#ARGMAU pic.twitter.com/6tKkhr9cE4
Lionel Scaloni left his namesake Messi on the bench in the first half, but still selected a powerful starting XI with Emiliano Martinez, Christian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, and Julian Alvarez, among others.
The visitors were initially overwhelmed by the opponent and the huge stage they were playing on, and, not used to these conditions, they were 2-0 down after 32 minutes, as Enzo and Nico Paz from a free kick paved the way for Argentina's triumph.
At that point, many expected a genuine disaster, as the South Americans were absolutely dominant.
After the break, Scaloni made a number of subs, Messi came off the bench, but the tables totally turned.
La Albiceleste made only one attempt (off target) in the entire second half, while Mauritania made as many as eight. Emi Martinez saved his crew twice, but the third luck was the charm for the African crew, as they even managed to score a consolation goal deep in added time through the Ligue 1 side Angers' defender Jordan Lefort.
Therefore, the next time one underestimates a team from the mother continent, they should thoroughly think it through and remember this match.
World Champions got away with a win, but were on the ropes at one point. That's what happens when one downplays the proud Africans.