Niger 0-1 Mauritania — International Friendly, 9 June 2026

A solitary goal in the first half was enough for Mauritania to edge past Niger in an international friendly played in a tightly contested affair. The match, held at a neutral venue, served as preparation for both nations’ upcoming competitive fixtures, and Mauritania’s disciplined defensive display earned them a hard‑fought victory.

Match summary

The game began cautiously, with both sides looking to establish rhythm without committing too many men forward. Mauritania broke the deadlock in the 28th minute when a well‑executed corner was met by a towering header at the near post, leaving the Niger goalkeeper with no chance.

Niger responded by increasing their pressure in the second half, enjoying the majority of possession but struggling to create clear‑cut chances. Mauritania’s backline, led by an assured centre‑back pairing, held firm and limited Niger to long‑range efforts that failed to test the goalkeeper seriously.

Tactical battle

Niger attempted to play through the middle, but Mauritania’s compact midfield shape forced them wide. Crosses into the box were dealt with by the towering Mauritania defenders, while Niger’s full‑backs were pinned back by the visitors’ quick transitions. Mauritania’s goal came from a set piece – an area they had clearly worked on – and they nearly doubled their lead in the 65th minute when a breakaway shot was tipped over the bar.

Standout players

• Mauritania’s No. 5 – Scored the winning goal and won every aerial duel in his own box.
• Niger’s left winger – Provided the most inventive threat, dribbling past opponents on several occasions, but lacked a final‑ball quality.
• Mauritania goalkeeper – A clean sheet with two routine saves and strong command of his area.

What it means

For Mauritania, the friendly offered a morale‑boosting win and a chance to test defensive solidity against a tricky opponent. Niger will take positives from their second‑half improvement but will be concerned by their lack of cutting edge in the final third. Both coaches will now turn their attention to upcoming qualifiers, using this result as a reference point for tactical adjustments.