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12/30 14:12 CST Tanzania, Tunisia join Nigeria in Africa Cup last 16 with draw
keeping Angola out
Tanzania, Tunisia join Nigeria in Africa Cup last 16 with draw keeping Angola
out
By CIARAN FAHEY
AP Sports Writer
RABAT, Morocco (AP) --- Tanzania and Tunisia grabbed the last available places
in the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday by playing out a
1-1 draw that eliminated Angola.
Feisal Salum's goal for Tanzania, which canceled out Ismal Gharbi's penalty,
sent the Taifa Stars to the last 16 as one of the six groups' best third-place
finishers.
Angola, which finished third in Group B, had been hoping for a favor from
Tunisia to beat Tanzania and another from Nigeria, which complied by defeating
Uganda 3-1.
But Tanzania's goal proved the difference. Both Tanzania and Angola finished
with two points and a goal difference of -1. Salum's goal meant the Taifa Stars
had scored more in the group stage (Tanzania's three goals vs. Angola's two),
meaning they go through to the next round.
"I hope this will be a reminder to these players and the next generation of
players on the potential of Tanzanian football," Taifa Stars coach Miguel
Gamondi said.
Tunisia advances as Group C runner-up, but it wasn't enough to appease its
fans, who whistled the team after supporting it in the rain in Rabat.
"We may not have played the best way possible, but we are very happy to have
qualified," Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi said.
The game started with intensity and desperation usually only seen in the final
minutes with the Carthage Eagles besieging the Tanzanian goal.
Gharbi rattled the left post and tried an audacious shot from near the halfway
line, while tackles went flying from both sides.
Tunisia got a break when Ibrahim Hamad was penalized after a VAR check for
dragging back Hazem Mastouri. Gharbi converted the penalty in the 43rd.
Salum replied after the break with a low shot that skidded along the wet grass
inside the left post.
Three goalkeepers for Uganda
With his team already assured of top spot in the group, Nigeria coach Eric
Chelle opted to rest many of his regulars including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi
and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Victor Osimhen played from the start.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru crossed for Paul Onuachu to score with a simple finish in
the 28th, and Uganda's slim hopes were effectively ended early in the second
half. Goalkeeper Denis Onyango was unable to resume after the break, and his
replacement Salim Magoola was sent off in the 50th for handling the ball
outside the penalty area. Magoola couldn't resist stopping a shot from Osimhen.
Uganda's third-choice goalkeeper Nafian Alionzi soon conceded when Raphael
Onyedika shot the ball between his legs for 2-0 in the 62nd, five minutes
before Onyedika got another goal.
Rogers Mato restored some Ugandan pride in the 75th with a fine chip over
Francis Uzoho in the Nigeria goal.
Later Tuesday, Senegal played Benin and Congo faced Botswana to decide their
positions in Group D.
Senegal, Congo and Benin are all sure of progress.
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AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
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