Mozambique coach Dario Monteiro says he was happy with the fight of his players, but not the result as they lost 2-0 to hosts Mauritania at the 2021 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

The Young Mambas gave an excellent account of themselves, but fell to two excellent strikes from Oumar Mbareck and Silly Sangare and remain pointless after their first two games.

Mozambique will now meet Cameroon in their final clash on Saturday, hoping for a first win.

“We didn’t start very well against Uganda [on Monday], but today I am proud of my players,” Monteiro said. “We committed two mistakes, that Mauritania used to score their goals. I am proud of what my players did today. They showed they can play at this level.

“I am not happy with the result but I am happy with the fight the players showed today.”

Namibia will play their second game on Thursday against Tunisia, hoping to build on the 1-1 draw with Central African Republic in their first match.