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Tunisia offered a festival against Mauritania (4-0) to make people forget their defeat in the first match. Attractive and determined, like captain Wahbi Khazri, the Eagles of Carthage left no chance to the Mourabitounes, eliminated from the competition. The Tunisians will have to confirm against Gambia to ensure direct qualification.
After the incredible refereeing error that marked its inaugural defeat against Mali, Tunisia had no room for error, Sunday, January 16, against Mauritania. The Eagles did not flinch, leaving no chance to their opponent (4-0). The Mourabitounes, who have still not won a game in the African Cup, are already eliminated.
No observation round in this match: the Tunisians, determined, immediately showed a formidable efficiency. After a good action in the surface of Khazri, the Tunisians recover and Mathlouti places a superb strike (3rd, 1-0). A few minutes later, on their second opportunity, Ben Slimane creates the gap and serves Khazri, who applies to place his shot out of reach of the goalkeeper (8th, 2-0). An ideal start to the match for Tunisia, and renewed confidence for their striker Wahbi Khazri, who will moreover very logically be elected man of the match.
Wahbi Khazri is the Man of the Match #AFCON2021 #TUNMTN #TUNMRT pic.twitter.com/8gFFgWAFbw
— Football 24/7 (@foet247Africa) January 16, 2022
Opposite, Mauritania struggled to react, and it was not until the 17th minute to see their first dangerous offensive: Houeibib, alone in front of goal, saw his powerful shot repelled by Talbi. The Mourabitounes rely on set pieces: on a distant free kick, Ben Said misses and puts the ball back at Camara’s feet in front of goal. It is saved on the line by the Tunisian defense (25th)
Half an hour into the game, the pace of the game drops a little. The Tunisians quietly manage their two-goal lead until half-time.
Tunisia is reassured
On returning from the locker room, the Mourabitounes tried to react, but struggled to approach the goal. They rely on distant strikes, which are too imprecise. The pace is much less sustained in the second half, until the Eagles wake up again on the hour mark. Leaving their camp, the Tunisians go up the field, and after a superb three-way action in the area, perfectly served by Chaalali , Khazri places the ball out of reach of Diop (63rd, 3-0). And in the process, Jaziri, served by Khazri, delivers the coup de grace (65th, 4-0)
The Tunisians continue to push, and even get a penalty at the very end of the match, but Msekni shoots the post (89th).
END OF THE GAME ⏰ #TeamTunisia 4-0 #TeamMauritania
The ”Eagles of the Carthage” beat Mauritania and won their first 3 points! ????#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #CAN2021 | #TUNMRT pic.twitter.com/VQdMhqGO0p
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 ???? – FR (@caf_online_FR) January 16, 2022
With this result, and with the way, Tunisia can glimpse the round of 16, taking third place in group F, only one point behind Mali and Gambia, who neutralized each other (1-1). With this newfound confidence, they will be able to calmly approach the last meeting of the group against Gambia. On the other hand, the adventure already stops there for Mauritania, who will play for honor against Mali.
Relive the match with our liveblog.
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