El Mami Tetah: The relentless force powering Mauritania's TotalEnergies CHAN dream

CAF

2 days ago

On a tense East African evening at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Mauritania found its hero.
El Mami Tetah, the tireless striker whose energy never seemed to fade, turned a fiercely contested encounter against Burkina Faso into a defining step toward the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 quarter-finals.
It wasn't just his skill that shone — it was his constant movement, clever positioning, and the decisive moment that would separate the two sides.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Tetah's night was one of persistence rewarded. In a match marked by heavy tackles and defensive grit, it was his sharp attacking instinct that forced the penalty leading to the only goal of the game.
His relentless harassment of the Burkinabe backline kept them unsettled, and by full time, he had not only played a starring role in securing three priceless points — pushing Mauritania to seven in the group standings — but also walked away with the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
"I feel good after this important win. It was a great victory against Burkina Faso," Tetah said with a smile during the post-match press conference.
Pride in Wearing the Jersey
For Tetah, the personal accolade was more than a trophy — it was a tribute to his service to the national team.
"I am very happy to be named TotalEnergies Man of the Match by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), especially since it means to me that I have given something important in this match to my country, whose jersey I am proud to wear."
That pride reflected the broader sentiment in the Mauritanian camp: satisfaction at overcoming a tough group and belief that more is possible.
Mauritania's Steady Rise in a Tough Group
Group B had been anything but easy. Four games against seasoned opponents tested Mauritania's resolve.
Yet, their record tells a story of progress: two wins, a draw, and a narrow defeat to hosts Tanzania.
"Mauritania's journey in the tournament so far has been good. We have won two matches, drawn one, and lost one against the host country. These are very good results in a difficult group that includes well-known teams," Tetah said.
With one group match remaining, the striker was already looking ahead.
"Now I think we have achieved what we needed to, and we will wait for the final match in the group, which we hope will officially announce our qualification to the quarter-finals of the tournament."
More Than Just a Good Night
Tetah's display was the product of weeks of preparation, conditioning, and a keen understanding of how to exploit defensive lapses.
His speed, timing, and intelligence on the pitch made him a constant threat — and if Mauritania reaches the knockout rounds, he will be expected to deliver again.
As the Al-Murabitoune edge closer to a potential historic achievement, Tetah's form could well be the difference between a solid campaign and a storybook finish.