AFCON: Gelson Dala leads Angola to thrilling victory over Mauritania

Dala opened the scoring with a scruffy acrobatic effort in the 30th minute, only for Sidi Bouna Amar to level the score with an exquisite low finish. 

Undeterred, Dala struck again early in the second half, seizing control after Mauritania failed to clear the danger. 

Gilberto extended Angola's lead with a deflected shot, while Aboubakary Koita's impressive strike kept Mauritanian hopes alive. 

However, Angola held on, securing their first AFCON win since 2012 and taking the top spot in Group D with four points.

With this victory, Angola is positioned to advance to the last 16, needing just a draw against Burkina Faso in their final group fixture. 

Defending champions Algeria, on two points after consecutive draws, are in contention, while Mauritania faces a must-win scenario against Algeria to progress as one of the top four third-placed teams. 

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