Syria fell to a surprise defeat to Mauritania at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah Monday and lose out on quarter-finals spot at the FIFA Arab Cup.
Mohamed Soueid gave Mauritania a second-half lead by heading in a corner in the 50th minute. The advantage proved short-lived, with Mahmoud al-Baher stabbing home from close range to draw Syria level just two minutes later.
Substitute Mahmoud Al-Mawas was denied a winning goal when his curling free-kick struck the Mauritania post as the match entered second half injury time.
With Syria desperately seeking a winning goal to advance to the knockout stage, Mauritania took advantage on the break. A cross found Hemeya Tanjy at the back post in the fifth minute of added time, with the forward able to convert at the second attempt after his initial effort was denied.
The effort gave Mauritania their first win of the competition but it wasn’t enough for them to stay in the competition. Syria’s loss meant UAE qualified for the quarters even after losing to Tunisia 0-1.
Mauritania's forward Hemeya Tanjy (C) reacts after scoring his team's second goal
Substitute Mahmoud Al-Mawas was denied a winning goal when his curling free-kick struck the Mauritania post as the match entered second half injury time.
With Syria desperately seeking a winning goal to advance to the knockout stage, Mauritania took advantage on the break. A cross found Hemeya Tanjy at the back post in the fifth minute of added time, with the forward able to convert at the second attempt after his initial effort was denied.
The effort gave Mauritania their first win of the competition but it wasn’t enough for them to stay in the competition. Syria’s loss meant UAE qualified for the quarters even after losing to Tunisia 0-1.
