Nigeria Book Afcon Knockout Place Despite Late Tunisia Fightback
Ex- Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team establish a 3-0 lead, but they were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought victory.
The three-time champions survived a dramatic late rally from Tunisia to advance to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco.
Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a three-goal cushion with just a quarter of an hour left courtesy of strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, igniting hopes of a recovery.
The drama intensified when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review identified a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the dying stages to set up a frantic conclusion.
The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a chance just past the post before Ismael Gharbi sent a bobbling volley past the upright.
Securing First Place
This result means that Nigeria, champions of the tournament on 3 past instances, advance to six group points and are guaranteed first place in their pool with a match left to be contested.
For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from one of Group A, B or F.
In the other match, Tunisia remain on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture.
The final group fixtures will see the group leaders remain in the city to take on the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage return to the capital to confront Tanzania.
An Anxious Finish
The Tunisian defender smashed the ball from 12 yards to give Tunisia hope of earning a point.
Nigeria, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to qualify for the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will undoubtedly be breathing a sigh of relief.
What seemed set to be a comfortable last period transformed into a tense affair.
Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.
The lead was extended early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner.
Osimhen then set up Lookman for the third goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the fightback.
The pivotal moment came when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.
Despite Ali Abdi's confident conversion, the 2004 champions ultimately came up just short of completing a remarkable recovery.
Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a point against Tunisia will be enough to see them through, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the past group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.
