The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Knockout Spot In Spite of Fierce Carthage Eagles Comeback

The three-time champions survived a stunning comeback attempt from Tunisia to advance to the last 16 of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be cruising in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal cushion with only 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, Montassar Talbi pulled one back with a powerful header from a Manchester United midfielder free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension escalated when the North Africans were given a late penalty after a video assistant referee review spotted a handball by Bright Osayi-Samuel. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.

Tunisia were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in stoppage time, with their skipper directing a opportunity just past the post before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley past the goal frame.

Clinching First Place

The victory means that the Super Eagles, champions of the tournament on three previous occasions, move to 6 points and are assured first place in their pool with one game left to play.

In the next round, they will face a best third-place side from either the other preliminary groups.

Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with the East African teams locked on a single point after registering a 1-1 draw earlier on Saturday.

The final pool matches will see Nigeria stay in Fes to play the Cranes on Tuesday, while Tunisia return to the capital to face the Taifa Stars.

A Nervy Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 tournament, become the next nation after Egypt to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What looked like set to be a straightforward last period transformed into a tense affair.

The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, expertly guiding a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross.

The advantage was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder rose highest to thump in a header from a Lookman kick.

Osimhen then set up Lookman for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the forearm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore pointing to the spot after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Despite Ali Abdi's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end fell short of pulling off a remarkable comeback.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be sufficient to see them through, and their coach will be eager to avoid a repeat of the past early elimination that led to his previous resignation.