The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia missed a penalty before being issued a red card, as they suffered a shock defeat to Gambia
By Kehinde Okeowo
Tunisia finished a disappointing third after losing 1-0 to debutant Gambia in their final group game, and they are left with a daunting last 16 Africa Cup of Nations tie against Nigeria.
Baboucarr Gaye saved Seifeddine Jaziri’s penalty in the 46th minute, as the Carthage Eagles missed from the spot for the third successive game.
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Shortly after the miss, Tunisia was reduced to 10 men, as Ben Mustapha was given the marching order by the referee in the 48th minute to make their task more daunting.
The Gambia in the 93rd minute capitalised on Tunisias’ poor marksmanship, as Musa Barrow’s 25-yard free-kick struck the bar before Ablie Jallow hit an injury-time winner.
The Gambia became the second debutant to reach the knockout stage in this tournament in Cameroon after Comoros Island.
It was an impressive outing by the Scorpions who defied the experience of the Carthage Eagles.
The result means Tunisia finished third in Group F behind Mali and debutants The Gambia, and will be rewarded with a clash against Nigeria, who topped Group D ahead of Egypt.
