Togo’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took another hit after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Mauritania in Lomé on Saturday.
The Hawks took an early lead at the Stade de Kégué through Emmanuel Klidje but failed to capitalize on their dominant first-half performance, allowing Mauritania to mount a second-half comeback and rescue a point.
Needing a win to stay in touch with Group B leaders Sudan, Togo started brightly and went ahead in the 4th minute. Youssifou Atte delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, which Klidje met with a powerful header, putting the home side 1-0 up.
Despite creating more chances in the first half, the hosts could not extend their lead, with Kevin Denkey and Karim Dermane both missing opportunities.
Mauritania, who had only one point before the match, responded with renewed energy after halftime. They equalized in the 52nd minute when Aboubakar Koita connected with a clever pass from Adama Abeïd and finished past Wassiou Ouro-Gafo in the Togo goal.
Just minutes later, Mauritania stunned the home crowd by taking the lead. A defensive lapse allowed Lamine Mahmoud to pounce and make it 2-1 for the Mourabitounes.
Togo managed to find an equalizer in the 69th minute as Denkey redeemed himself by firing home from close range. The Hawks pushed forward in search of a winner, but Mauritania held firm to secure their second point of the campaign.
The result leaves Togo in fourth place in Group B with four points from four games, six points behind table-toppers Sudan. Mauritania remains in fifth place with two points.
