Gambia have reached the knockout stages of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after stunning Tunisia 1-0 in a Group F match clash at the Limbe Omnisport Stadium in Cameroon on Thursday night.
As a result, the Scorpions progressed to the Round of 16 as runners-up, while the Carthage Eagles squeezed in to the knockout stages as one of four best-ranked third-placed teams
The opening 20 minutes proved to be a cagey affair, as were quite content to pass the ball around and be patient.
Tunisia were presented with the first chance of the game in the 23rd minute as Anis Ben’s effort from distance sailed wide of the mark.
Musa Barrow had a glorious chance to put Gambia ahead on the half-hour mark after a mistake at the back by the Carthage Eagles, but the striker could not finish inside the box.
Tunisia should have taken the lead in the 44th minute but Seifeddine Jaziri’s penalty was saved by Baboubacarr Gaye after the Scorpions captain Pa Modou Jagne brought him down in the area.
The game was opening up but Tunisia were reduced to ten men after Farouk Ben Mustapha was shown red card for violent conduct.
Gambia’s first meaningful effortarrive in the 57th minute as Noah Sonko-Sundberg picked out Pa Modou Jagne, who sent his effort over the ball.
The Scorpions squandered another chance on the 73rd with Ibou Touray free kick hitting the upright, with Ben Said well beaten.
The second half was better than the first, entertainment wise with both sides playing a more open game, but the final ball was lacking from both side.
Gaye came to Gambia’s rescue in the 83rd minute, the shot-stopper came off his line and pulled off a fine save to keep out Ellyes Skhiri close range effort.
Seven minutes later, Musa Barrow took on the Tunisia’s defence in the umpteenth time in the game, and after delivered a cross which Ablie Jallow sent a strike at the near post for the lone goal.
Lineups:
Gambia: B. Gayé; P. Jagne, M. Jallow-Mbye, O. Colley, N. Sonko-Sundberg, S. Janko, J. Gomez, E. Sohna, Modou Barrow, Y. Bobb, Musa Barrow
Tunisia: B. Ben Saïd; B. Ifa, H. Mathlouthi, A. Abdi, M. Talbi, E. Skhiri, S. Khaoui, A. Laïdouni, H. Rafia, A. Ben Slimane, S. Jaziri
