“beating Algeria with Mauritania was really huge” [Exclu]

Last in its qualifying group for CAN 2025 before the last two matches, Mauritania will play its destiny against Botswana on Friday and Cape Verde (November 19). Before these deadlines, Mourabitounes midfielder, Guessouma Fofana (ex-Amiens, Guingamp and Nîmes), spoke exclusively to Afrik-Foot. The opportunity to also look back on the memories of the last CAN and his signing for Al Hilal (Sudan).

Interview conducted by Yoro Mangara,

How did the negotiations go for you to end up in Al Hilal (Sudan)?

Al Hilal plays in the championship Mauritaniana country that I know well (due to the suspension of the championship Sudanese for security reasons, Al Hilal and El Merreikh are playing this season in the Mauritanian championship, editor's note). I spoke with the team coach (Florent Ibenge, editor's note), the feeling came naturally, that's how I decided to sign for Al Hilal.

You haven't been approached by European clubs?

Yes, yes, I had contacts but the transfer window was long. I wanted a challenge, and I believe that playing the African Champions League with Al Hilal weighed in the balance.

You are in a difficult group with TP Mazembe, Young Africans and CR Bélouizdad as opponents, do you think you can get out of this one?

Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have come. I sincerely believe that there is room to have a good run in the African Champions League. We will do everything to come out giving the best of ourselves.

What are your goals with Al Hilal?

As I said, there is the Champions League. It’s a prestigious competition. There is no longer a small team in Africa. The level is very high. It always has been, but it's just that it has more visibility. I want to play hard in this competition and also do something in the championship.

“Go and seek qualification for CAN 2025”

Now let's talk about the Mauritania national team, which has failed since its historic run to the round of 16 of the last CAN…

Sometimes there are good times, sometimes bad, that's Football. We are not ridiculous in the game, unfortunately the results are not there yet, but we still have our destiny in our hands. We have two matches left, it’s up to us to respond. It's up to us to do what we need to do to seek qualification. We experienced this situation before the CAN in Ivory Coastwe will try to re-release the exploit.

What do you think is not working?

If I had an answer to this question we wouldn't be here (laughs)! We play successful matches but the result is not there. We will continue to work to obtain this qualification for the Mauritanian people.

Your attack is at half mast, it can no longer score, only one small goal scored since the CAN, do you have an explanation for this lack of success in front of goal?

That's a complicated question, I don't have the answer. Football is a sport that is played as a team. When we concede a goal, it's the whole team's fault. When we also score, it’s a team effort. It's up to us to do our best to ensure that our attackers regain their effectiveness. It's teamwork.

Several dual nationals opt first for Mali or Senegal, is this an obstacle to the development of the Mauritania national team?

Honestly no! I don't think so. We had very good results in Ivory Coast without these players you just mentioned. I sincerely believe that it is first and foremost a choice of the heart. You must first love your country before choosing to represent it.

“This match against Algeria is the best moment of my career”

How did you experience the crazy evening of your qualification in 8^e final against Algeria?

It's not easy to describe what I felt. In terms of feeling, it's the best moment of my career. I had my family in the stands, my children, my wife. It's special! And beat a great team like Algeriait's really huge for a small country like Mauritania.

You had a nasty injury which kept you away from the field for a long time, was it a hindrance to your progress?

It’s true that I had a nasty injury! It happens a lot in football. Afterwards, with ifs, we can remake the world. It's a test of life. I am a believer, I accept it and there will be other trials in life. Afterwards, it's true that this injury could have slowed things down but I was able to move forward, I am mentally stronger and I know that other great professional experiences await me.