Tunisia, the third-ranked team in Africa, suffered a disappointing exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday, drawing 0-0 against South Africa in the final Group E match in Korhogo.
In a lackluster performance, the North Africans had a late opportunity to secure victory and progression, but substitute Haythem Jouini’s header sailed well over the crossbar. Tunisia became the second top-10 ranked nation, following Algeria, to be eliminated after the opening round.
Mali clinched the top spot in Group E with a 0-0 draw against Namibia, securing qualification to the knockout stage along with second-placed South Africa.
Tunisia made a significant change by dropping veteran captain and forward Youssef Msakni, who had little impact in the previous matches against Namibia and Mali. Defender Yassine Meriah took over the captaincy.
South Africa, coming off a four-goal victory over Namibia, retained the same starting lineup, including eight players from Mamelodi Sundowns, the dominant domestic club.
The early stages of the match were cagey and scrappy in the scorching 36 degrees Celsius (97 Fahrenheit) heat of northern Ivory Coast. Tunisia had more possession but struggled to use it effectively.
Tunisia squandered three half-chances in the first half, with Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, and Elias Achouri all missing the target. Percy Tau’s strong run for South Africa ended with Evidence Makgopa nodding wide, and Thapelo Morena’s long-range shot narrowly missed the crossbar.
By halftime, Tunisia had attempted five shots, but none were on target in a disappointing match watched by Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe.
The second half saw the kick-off delayed for several minutes to coincide with the other Group E match between Mali and Namibia in San Pedro. As the hour mark approached, Youssef Msakni, based in Qatar, entered the game, marking his 100th cap for the Carthage Eagles.
Earlier this month, Msakni became the fourth player, after Rigobert Song, Ahmed Hassan, and Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew, to feature in eight Cup of Nations tournaments.
Reported By AFP.
