Group E at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations wraps up today with everything still to play for. South Africa and Tunisia are both still capable of making it through into the last 16, along with Namibia and Mali.
Few would have predicted Tunisia would be in this position before a ball was kicked but they must beat Bafana Bafana in order to stand any chance of progress into the latter stages.
Yet to win and having lost to Namibia in a history-making result, the pressure is on the Eagles of Carthage. While South Africa do not boast the most fearsome of AFCON records, they may have already done enough to progress after beating Namibia last time out despite losing to Mali. A point could be enough to see them through, albeit they cannot afford to relax all too much.
MATCH FULL REPORT:
Tunisia’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended with a whimper on Wednesday as a goalless draw with South Africa left them bottom of Group E.
A tournament that started with a history-making defeat to Namibia ends at the group stage for the Eagles of Carthage, who created very little in what was a must-win game.
Haythem Jouini headed over the bar in the dying embers but that proved about the only clear-cut chance the 2004 winners could create.
It was a cagey contest in the sweltering heat of Korhogo, though South Africa twice crafted good opportunities through both Evidence Makgopa and Thapelo Morena.
Jalel Kadri’s side were the third-highest ranked side heading into this year’s AFCON behind holders Senegal and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco but mustered only two points. They, along with Ghana and Algeria, fall at the first hurdle.
Bafana Bafana proved resolute throughout and follow Mali in the knockout stages of the tournament, while Namibia join as one of the best third-placed teams.
