Pakistan women fought hard but were edged out 1-0 by Mauritania in a tightly contested FIFA Series match at the Alassane Outtara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday.
Coming off a record 8-0 victory over Turks and Caicos in their opener, Adeel Rizki’s side created several promising opportunities, with Nadia Khan—who had become Pakistan’s all-time top scorer in the previous game—testing the Mauritanian goalkeeper in the 13th minute when she shot after receiving the ball in the box.
Mauritania broke the deadlock in the 20th minute when Ramata Gengui volleyed a left-sided cross into the bottom corner from outside the box, the decisive moment that allowed them to bounce back from their earlier 8-0 loss to hosts Côte d’Ivoire.
Pakistan continued to probe and had a clear chance in the 23rd minute after a defensive mix-up, but Mariam Mahmood could only force a save from close range. A free-kick by Kayla Siddiqi went wide late in the first half, and at the break Rizki introduced Karissa Jivraj and Anmol Hira for Rameen Salman and Sanah Mehdi, sparking a flurry of attacking moves.
The substitutions helped produce several strong efforts, including a long-range strike from Aqsa Mushtaq that was palmed over by Mauritania keeper Aissata Fall, while goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj pulled off a fine stop to deny Tacko Diabira at the other end. In the 82nd minute Mariam again missed a chance and soon after Isra Khan struck the side netting with a first-time volley.
Kayla later supplied a pinpoint through ball but Mariam could not convert, and Pakistan pressed through eight added minutes with Aqsa testing the keeper from a late free-kick. Despite persistent pressure and several openings, the equaliser proved elusive and the match finished 1-0 in Mauritania’s favour.
The narrow defeat will temper celebrations after the emphatic opening win, but the Pakistan women showed attacking intent and created numerous chances to build on as they prepare for their next fixtures in the competition.
