2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Togo held to frustrating home draw by Mauritania

Togo’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup suffered another blow 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 were unable to capitalise on their dominant first-half performance, allowing the visitors to mount a second-half comeback before rescuing a point.

Needing a win to stay within touching distance of Group B leaders Sudan, Togo began brightly and went ahead in the 4th minute. Youssifou Atte swung in a pinpoint cross from the right, which Klidje met with a powerful header to put the home side 1-0 up.

Despite creating more chances in the first half, the hosts failed to extend their advantage, with Kevin Denkey and Karim Dermane both guilty of missed opportunities.

Mauritania, with only one point before the match, responded after the interval with renewed energy.

The visitors levelled in the 52nd minute when Aboubakar Koita latched onto a clever pass from Adama Abeïd to finish 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 equaliser in the 69th minute as Denkey made amends 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 behind table-toppers Sudan. Mauritania remain fifth with two points.