Group B:
Zimbabwe 2-4 Tunisia
Senegal 2-2 Algeria
The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia humiliated the Zimbabwe Warriors 4-2 on a slippery Stade De L’Amitie turf in Libreville.
In a game attended by a sparse but noisy crowd under floodlights, the North Africans staged all outstanding first half, scoring all the four goals in 45 minutes.
Sliti Naim, Youssef Msakni and Taha Yassine goals as well as danger-man Wahbi Khazri’s penalty were enough for Tunisia in the opening stanza.
Knowledge Musona’s solo effort with three minutes to the half time break gave Kalsito Pasuwa and his charges some hope.
Orlando Pirates forward Tendai Ndoro who had just replaced Danny Phiri scored the second for the Warriors in the 52nd minute.
Tunisia was dominant as early as the opening three minutes of the match handled by Dennis Dembele.
A well laid ball into the area from Wahbi Khazri was blocked as it failed to reach the intended destiny Taha Yassine.
Three minutes later, Mamelodi Sundowns’ Khama Billiat had a free-kick parried out by goalie Rami Jerdi in the Warriors first threat at goal.
Tunisia took the lead after eight minutes when goalie Tatenda Mkuruva benefited the Eagles a corner that arose after a seemingly easy free-kick from Wahbi slipped the through hands of Mkuruva.
Sliti Naim struck from about 20 yards with a slight deflection for the opener.
Zimbabwe never recovered. Youssef Msakni doubled the lead in the 22nd minute.
Marvellous Nakamba tested Rami Jerdi in the Tunisian goal from distance but the shot flew slightly wide of goal.
Wahbi free-kick tipped over for a corner by Tatenda before a yellow card was given to Tunisia’s Ben Youssef Habib Syam for a malicious foul.
Tunisia got the third goal on the day through Yassine Taha after Hamdi Naguez donkey work on the right.
Knowledge Musona struck a beauty in the 42nd minute to reduce the deficit but Tunisia further extended the lead with a well struck penalty by Wahbi Khazri following a foul by Costa Nhamoinesu on Yassine.
Tunisia joins Senegal who drew 2-2 with Algeria in Franceville as the successful sides from Group B.
Algeria and Zimbabwe are sent crushing out of the tournament to join Uganda, hosts Gabon and Guinea-Bissau at the exit door.
Team Line ups:
Zimbabwe XI: Marshal Mkuruva Tatenda (G.K), Costa Nhamoinesu, Danny Phiri, Hardlife Zvirekwi, Elisha Muroiwa, Bhasera Onismor, Nyasa Liberty Mushekwi, Willard Katsande (Captain), Knowledge Musona, Marvellous Nakamba, Khama Billiat
Subs: Donovan Benard (G.K), Tyrell Mathew Rusike, Evans Rusike, Kudakwashe Mahachi, Tendai Ndoro, Bruce Kangwa, Cuthbert Malajila, Teenage Lingani Hadebe, Lawrence Mhlanga, Philana Tinotenda Kadewere, Oscar Machapa, Takabva Mawaya (G.K)
Head coach: Kalisto Pasuwa (Zimbabwe)
Tunisia XI: Rami Jeridi (G.K), Syam Habib Ben Youssef, Aymen Abdennour (Captain), Youssef Msakni, Wahbi Khazri, Taha Yassine Khenissi, Ali Maaloul, Ferjani Sassi, Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, Hamdi Naguez, Sliti Naim
Subs: Zied Boughattas, Slimen Kchouk, Chamseddine Dhaouadi, Hamza Lahmar, Ahmed Akaichi, Francis Abdel Azouni Larry, Aymen Mathlouthi, Hamza Mathlouthi, Ahmed Khalil, Saber Khalifa, Mohamed Ali Yacoubi, Moez Ben Cherifia
Head coach: Henri Wajelech Kasperczak (France)
Match Officials:
Center Referee: Dennis Dembele (Cote D’Ivoire)
1st Assistant Referee: Marius Donatien Ta (Cote D’Ivoire)
2nd Assistant Referee: Olivier Safari Kabene (Democratic Republic of Congo)
4th Official: Mahamadou Keita (Mali)
Commissioner: Sidiki A. Roko (Cameroon)
General Coordinator: Anthony Baffoe (Ghana)
