Co-host Tanzania secured their second victory of the ongoing CHAN after veteran defender Shomari Kapombe strike late to give the home side a lone goal victory.
The Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam came to life in the 89th minute when Kapombe latched onto a clever through ball from Iddy Nado and slotted past Abderrahmane Sarr to spark wild celebrations from the home fans.
For Mauritania, it was a bitter blow as they remain winless and now face an uphill battle to stay in the competition.
The result leaves Tanzania top of Group B with six points from two games. Burkina Faso follow with three points, while Madagascar and Mauritania are on one point each. Central African Republic are bottom with no points but have a game in hand.
Mauritania must now beat Burkina Faso in their final group match and hope results elsewhere go their way.
Tanzania will face Madagascar in their final Group B fixture, likely resting some key players with qualification secured. Mauritania, meanwhile, will need nothing less than a win against Burkina Faso — and still hope other results fall in their favour.
