AFCON: Senegal moves to quarter-finals, Tunisia hopeful despite win

Tunisia gave their qualification into the quarter-finals a huge boost after scoring twice in the second half to beat Algeria 2-1 in a Group B, Africa Cup of Nations match on Thursday in Franceville.

The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia went ahead when Aissa Mandi scored an own goal from a left-wing cross delivered by Youssef Maskini in the 50th minute. And Naim Sliti calmly converted a penalty after Wahbi Khazri was brought down by Fouzia Ghoulam.

Algeria later pulled a goal back when Sofiane Hanni struck from the edge of the area in injury time.

Algeria, who had been one of the pre-tournament favourites, will now have to rely on other results going their way if they are to advance to the quarter-finals – and they have to face Senegal in their final match.

Read Also: AFCON: Cameroon come from behind to earn first Group A win

In the other Group B tie between Senegal and Zimbabwe, Senegal made it through to the quarter-finals of the tournament with a match to spare after winning their second match 2-0 against Zimbabwe in Franceville earlier on Thursday.

Liverpool winger Sadio Mane opened the scoring with an easy tap-in eight minutes into play, and Henri Saivet doubled the lead with a beautifully struck free-kick five minutes later to seal the win.

The Lions of Teranga have become the first team in the tournament to advance into the last eight, requiring only one point from their last group game to end as group leaders.

As it is, Senegal are leaders on six points, followed by Tunisia with three points, and Algeria and Zimbabwe in the third and fourth positions respectively with one point each.

Tunisia will play Zimbabwe on Monday, while Senegal will play Algeria on same day and at the same time – a 90-minute duration that’d decide which two teams from the group are worthy of advancing to the next round of the finals in Gabon.

 

 

Ripples Nigeria…without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now