Madagascar and Mauritania played out a tense 0-0 draw on Sunday evening at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, as both sides opened their Group B campaign at the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.

The result means both teams remain level in a competitive five-team group, where an early win would have provided vital momentum.

 Despite plenty of endeavour and moments of promise from both teams, neither could find the decisive touch in a contest that saw more fouls than fluid football.

The CHAN tournament, reserved exclusively for players competing in their respective domestic leagues, has served as a launching pad for several stars.

Both sides came into this match with aspirations of progression, especially Madagascar who reached the semi-finals in 2022 and Mauritania, who are making their fourth appearance.