Nouakchott — Senegal claimed a narrow victory against Mauritania in the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) first leg qualifier played Saturday (July 6th) at Stade Demba Diop in Dakar.

The lone match goal came in the 65th minute in the form of an unexpected and powerful strike from 40 metres by Lions' playmaker Arthur Gomis.

Senegal now have a slight advantage ahead of the CHAN qualifier return leg, slated for July 27th in Nouakchott. But it was not an easy victory for Demba Ramata Ndiaye's team of local players, who were pressed hard by the Mauritanian visitors.

Hundreds of Mauritanian football fans were also in the Dakar stadium, having made the trip to Senegal by coach to cheer on the Mourabitounes.

Yacoub Fall (filling in for benched captain Moussa Baghayogho) and his teammates quickly displayed a desire to go on the offensive. A lively Ismail Diakite threw the Senegalese defenders into disarray early on. Indeed, the Mourabitounes had several chances to score in the first half.

The biggest opportunity came in the 45th minute. Takiyoullah Denna passed to Ismail Diakite, who had a clear shot at the goal. But he turned his foot out too much and watched the ball sail off to the right of the goal, defended by Senegalese keeper Khadim N'Diaye.

That was the turning-point of the first half, which could easily have ended with Mauritania in front.

During the second half, Mauritania suffered a fateful blow when Moamed Yacoub Deina Ba - who had been playing very well up to that point - was sent off (51') for an attack on Senegalese defender Babacar Seck.

The Mourabitounes were down to 10 on the pitch, presenting the Lions with an opportunity.

This new situation changed the plans of Patrice Neveu, who was obliged to substitute Moussa Bagayogo for Ely Cheikh Ould Voulany in the 55th minute, leaving Ismail Diakite on his own up front.

Senegal took advantage of the situation by pushing harder. They scored a goal in the 65th minute when the Mauritanian defenders retreated and Souleymane Diallo advanced.

In the 75th minute, caught between a desire not to concede a second goal and a desire to equalise, Patrice Neveu sent Mamadou Ndioko Niass in to replace Taghiyoullah Dena, who had been playing very well.

Ismail Diakite also tried everything possible, despite being isolated in attack. In the final few minutes, after a side-step performed as only he knows how, he set up a scoring opportunity for Abdoulaye Gueye ("Palaye"), who missed even though the Senegalese keeper had already been beaten.

At the end of the game, Senegal manager Demba Ramata Ndiaye hailed Mauritania's fighting spirit and said he was not counting on a return leg win.

"We were up against an aggressive and well-organised team that caused us a lot of problems. In the end we won, and that leaves our chances intact. But the second leg in Nouakchott will be tough," he told journalists.

For his part, Patrice Neveu blamed the loss on the Tunisian referee's decision to expel playmaker Deina Ba.

"This sending-off disrupted the way we play. We tried different things, but we lacked opportunities," Neveu said.

"Now we will get ready for the second leg in Nouakchott," the Mourabitounes' coach added.