Friendly: Mauritania defeat Niger 1-0

Last-minute penalty hands victory to the Mourabitounes

Africa Today at 18:03

Nafongo TRAORE

News Editor

Friendly: Mauritania defeat Niger 1-0

08.06.26 FT Friendly International

Mauritania

Niger

Mauritania dominated Niger on June 8 in Morocco in a friendly during FIFA's June window, clinching a 1-0 win thanks to a last-gasp penalty.

The ending was cruel for Niger. After a fiercely contested match, Niger conceded a decisive penalty in the dying minutes. Idrissa Thiam coolly converted from the spot in the 90+6th minute to seal the victory for Mauritania.

How tough was that!

After nine months without a win, Mauritania snatch a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger, courtesy of Idrissa Thiam's penalty—who also rescued the team against Angola in stoppage time. pic.twitter.com/4TCsJ9z0aC
— Le Sénégalo Soudano Mauritanien🇸🇳🇸🇩🇲🇷 (@soudano48273) June 8, 2026

This was the second match of the FIFA window for both teams. Niger opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Benin. Mauritania also drew 1-1, facing Angola's Palancas Negras. Now, both sides turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.