The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Place In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Fightback
Ex- African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was instrumental in his team build a commanding lead, but the Super Eagles were compelled to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win.
The three-time champions weathered a dramatic late rally from their opponents to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.
The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their pool encounter in Fes, holding a 3-0 cushion with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.
However, a Tunisian defender pulled one back with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a turnaround.
The drama escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee check spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a frantic conclusion.
Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, with their skipper heading a opportunity just past the post before a substitute guided a half-volley past the goal frame.
Securing Top Spot
This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three past instances, move to 6 points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with one game still to play.
For the round of 16, they will meet a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.
In the other match, the 2004 champions remain on three points, with the East African teams tied on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.
The final pool matches will see the group leaders remain in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront the Taifa Stars.
An Anxious Conclusion
Ali Abdi smashed the ball from 12 yards to offer his team hope of snatching a point.
The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.
What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a nerve-wracking conclusion.
Victor Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a header into the far post from an Ademola Lookman delivery.
The lead was doubled early in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a header from a set-piece corner.
The number 9 then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to initiate the comeback.
The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross hit the forearm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after consulting the pitchside screen.
Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.
Their fate remains in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 early elimination that resulted in his previous resignation.
