Tunisia scored twice in the second half to beat Algeria 2-1 in Franceville Thursday boosting their chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon. But, both teams failed to take their chances as the first half ended 0-0.
However, it was Tunisia who drew the first blood in the second half, even though it was from an own goal. Aissa Mandi’s own-goal broke the deadlock and Naim Sliti converted a penalty as the Tunisians atoned for a 2-0 defeat by Senegal in their opening Group B game.
Substitute Sofiane Hanni scored a consolation goal for the Algerian Desert Foxes a minute into stoppage time.
Among the pre-tournament favourites, Algeria have only one point from two matches and must defeat top-ranked African team Senegal next Monday to have a chance of survival. Tunisia’s chances of progressing to the quarter-finals appear to be higher, given that they will face rank outsiders Zimbabwe on Monday.
Africa team