Mauritania yesterday claimed a stupendous historic 2-0 victory over host Gambia at the Independence, the Scorpion's fortress suffered a thorough tattering.

The Scorpions, who it appeared, underrated African football underdogs, Mauritania, surely paid a costly price at home as Italian Coach Luciano makes yet another miserable outing in five matches since taking over the country's senior team managerial role.

An Abdoullah Gueye 27th minute opener and Ismaila Diakite's 49th second-half goal turned out decisive as the host endured an unprecedented walloping to the dismay of Gambian fans whose patience is inevitably running thin.

A side lacking competitiveness despite a four months collective training, were left humiliated before the full glare of the scotching sun even with Tijan Jaiteh, Captain Dawda Bah and Abdou Jammeh blended.

Dawda Bah came close but had his shot blocked by the Mauritania defense at the edge of the box and Scorpion defender Antou Badjan had saved his team-mates of their blushes clearing off a resultant counter-attack from the visitors seconds later.

While Maloud Ismaila Wade was booked for a challenge on midfielder Hamza Baerry, Mauritania coach Patrice Nouvou had his share of the flurry of drama on the fringe of the pitch appearing to lose his footing almost tumbling while hurling instructions.

Mauritania cost headaches to the Gambian defense and were on the brink of doubling up the advantage when El Hacem El Moctar Sid was floored in the penalty area under challenge from his Scorpion marker just on the stroke of halftime but a disinterested referee waived play on prompting protest from the visitor's substitute bench.

The Gambian side were much livelier in re-start as Hamza Barry proved star man of the evening but his compatriots in reds were simply below par and its strike completely an appalling set up.

Gambia now takes on the Mourabitounes of Mauritania for the second leg on Saturday.