In a hard-fought encounter on Friday, Chad edged past Mauritius 1-0 in the first leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round qualifier.
The match, played in Yaounde, Cameroon due to Chad lacking an international-standard stadium, marked a potential turning point for the central African nation after a series of qualifying disappointments.
The lone goal came in stoppage time, courtesy of Turkey-based forward Marius Mouandilmadji.
Chad had dominated much of the second half, with Amine Hiver and Fabrice Djimhoue both squandering promising chances.
This victory marks Chad’s first in AFCON qualifiers since 2014, when they defeated Malawi but ultimately fell short on away goals.
Financial constraints have plagued Chad’s recent qualifying campaigns.
They withdrew from the 2017 qualifiers after three rounds and were later barred from the 2019 edition. Disqualification followed in 2021 due to government interference.
The return leg against Mauritius takes place in Saint-Pierre on Tuesday, with the aggregate winner progressing to the 48-team group stage, scheduled to begin in September.
In another first-leg encounter, Sao Tome e Principe and South Sudan played to a 1-1 draw in the Moroccan city of Berkane, chosen as a neutral venue due to neither country having a suitable stadium.
