Gengui strike sinks Pakistan as unranked Mauritania edge FIFA Series thriller
Losing a game by 154th ranked Green-shirts against unranked side is a big question mark over the way women football is being handled by the authorities
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ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST: A stunning first-half volley from Ramata Gengui enabled unranked auritania secure a 1-0 victory over Pakistan in their FIFA Series encounter at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday.
Pakistan, entering the match full of confidence following a thumping 8-0 win over Turks and Caicos Island the other day, were left to rue missed opportunities despite a dominant second-half performance. For Mauritania, the result marked a resilient comeback after their own 8-0 drubbing at the hands of hosts Côte d’Ivoire earlier in the tournament.
The deciding moment came in the 20th minute when Gengui met a cross from the left flank, unleashing a clinical volley from outside the box that nestled into the bottom corner, leaving Pakistan goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj with no chance.
Pakistan’s attack, led by all-time leading scorer Nadia Khan, frequently threatened the Mauritanian goal. Khan had the first clear opening in the 13th minute but her effort was directed straight at the keeper. Shortly after Gengui’s opener, Mariam Mahmood missed a golden opportunity to level the score when a defensive mix-up left her with a close-range chance that was palmed away by Mauritania’s Aissata Fall.
Seeking a spark, Pakistan coach Adeel Rizki introduced Karissa Jivraj and Anmol Hira at the interval. The tactical shift resulted in a flurry of chances for Aqsa Mushtaq, whose powerful long-range effort forced a fingertip save from Fall.
The final ten minutes saw a desperate Pakistan press for an equalizer. Isra Khan struck the side netting with a first-time volley, and Mariam Mahmood was unable to capitalize on a pinpoint through-ball from Kayla Siddiqi. Despite eight minutes of stoppage time and a late free-kick from Mushtaq that tested the keeper, Mauritania held firm to claim the points.
“I think there was some element of being overconfident after our opening victory,” coach Adeel Rizki said after the match. “We attacked many times but the ball did not end up in the net. We need to analyse the game and revisit what our mistakes were to avoid them against Ivory Coast.”
Pakistan will conclude their FIFA Series campaign against the hosts, Côte d’Ivoire, in their next fixture.
Match Summary:
Result: Mauritania 1-0 Pakistan
Goal: Ramata Gengui (20′)
Venue: Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan
