Covid-hit Tunisia dumped ten-man Nigeria out of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 win in Sunday’s last-16 clash.
The game was won up just 63 seconds into the second-half when Youssef Msakni was given all the time and space he could ask for as he took aim from 25 yards.
His bouncing, dipping shot caught young goalkeeper Maduka Okoye off guard and his weak parry was unable to prevent the ball from nestling in the corner of the net.
Substitute Alex Iwobi then left his studs on Msakni as he controlled the ball and was initially booked for leaving his opponent writhing on the turf. VAR wanted a second look, however, and the red card was produced to further damage the Super Eagles’ chances.
For a side that won all three of their group games and even rested the majority of their stars for their previous match, tournament favourites Nigeria looked out of ideas in the face of some heroic defending.
Umar Sadiq had the best chance to add to the cup’s growing repertoire of late drama, only to see his shot roll across the face of the goal and wide of the far-post. Tunisia will play Burkina Faso in Saturday’s quarter-final.
Live updates
Well, this tournament just keeps throwing up shock after shock, doesn’t it?
Recap a brilliant night for Tunisia – and shocking one for Nigeria – with our match report.
Next up in AFCON
Two more last-16 clashes to enjoy tomorrow, starting with Guinea versus Gambia.
Then, at 7pm GMT, hosts Cameroon take on minnows Comoros in a fascinating match-up for a place in the quarter-finals.
Read our preview of that clash.
The inquest begins for Nigeria
All eyes now turn to March’s World Cup qualification showdown with Ghana for the Super Eagles.
The identity of their long-term boss will be a key factor as Augustine Eguavoen is only the interim coach, amid talks of Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro coming in.
Reports suggest the former Sporting CP boss is yet to actually sign his contract after being announced as the incoming manager.
The big names keep tumbling
We may be on for a surprise winner of this year’s AFCON with Nigeria the third giant of the continent to fall.
Ghana were first to go after a shock defeat at the hands of Comoros before holders Algeria also slumped out at the group stage.
Who could be next?
Next up for Tunisia…
Burkina Faso await for the Eagles of Carthage on Saturday at 7pm back in Garoua.
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