For the first time in the history of the AFCON, Tunisia has eliminated favourites Ghana to advance to the quarterfinal of the competition.
The Carthage Eagles beat the Black Stars 5-4 on penalities following a 1 – 1 draw after extra time.
Ghana’s hope of making a 7th straight semi-final berth was cut short and the talking point is the decision by South African referee, Victor Gomes to disallow Andre Ayew’s goal in the 42st minute.
Tunisia has booked a quarterfinal clash with tournament debutants, Madagascar, who defeated D.R Congo 4-2 on penalties on Saturday.
Sassi scores the easier way. Ghana 4 – 5 Tunisia
Partey scores 4 – 4
Yacini Mehiah gets it done simply 3 – 4
Lumor Agbenyenu scores 3 – 3
Tunisia scores 2 – 3
Caleb Ekuban’s shot is saved by Mustapha 2- 2
Khazri also scores 2 – 2
Jordan Ayew scores beautifully 2 – 1
Sliti scores for Tunisia 1 – 1
Wakaso kicks first for Ghana and scores 1 – 0
Penalty shootouts
Tunisia makes change. Goalkeeper Hassen substituted in the 120th minute. Mustapha’s job will be to save the kicks.
115’: An unmarked Jordan Ayew positioned himself for a scoring chance but the ball struck the shin and went out of play. Goalkick to Tunisia.
99’: Classy Richard Ofori makes another important save for Ghana. Resultant corner kick for Tunisia has gone to waste.
Full Time: 5minutes of added time are up and referee Gomes blows the whistle to end the game. We have 30mins more to play in extra time.
90’: GOOAAAL!!!! Tunisia defender Bedoui in his attempt to clear a setpiece headed the ball into his own net. We are headed for extra time.
89’: Nuhu Kassim receives the yellow card for forcing an injured opponent to get up on his feet. He thought he was wasting time.
86’: Tempers are high as Wakaso gets yellow-carded for hacking down an opponent.
82’: Asamoah Gyan gets a bite. He has replaced Andre Ayew
82’: Tunisia replaces Msakni
78’: Wakaso missed an opportunity to equalise for Ghana as his long-range strike rolled past the goalkeeper and hit the post again. It’s a corner kick for Ghana but it’s been wasted.
74’: Ghana substitutes Afriyie Acquah and brings in Caleb Ekuban.
73’: Taha Yassine Khenissi tears off Ghana defender Kassim Nuhu and fires past Richard to make the scores Ghana 0 – 1 Tunisia. Not looking good for Ghana. Tunisia’s game plan has totally changed since Muami Khazri’s introduction; good for them.
69’: Black Stars living dangerously as Tunisians continue to attack and hit the woodwork.
68’: Khazri’s makes presence felt and nearly scored seconds within his introduction.
67’: Tunisia makes substitution as Khazri is introduced into the game.
48′: Tunisian captain, Youssef Msakni gets another yellow card for a cynical tackle on Wakaso Mubarak.
45’: Half time. The talking point is the decision by Referee Gomes to disallow Dede’s goal on the basis that Partey handled the ball earlier. Partey insists the ball hit his chin and not his hand. Replays have corroborated Ghana’s claim but the decision has been made.
41’: Andre Ayew’s backheel beats Tunisian goalkeeper but the South African referee Victor Gomes ruled it out as he adjudged Thomas Partey handled the ball before providing the assist to his captain.
30’: Half an hour of play time gone and it’s still goalless. Tunisia has been controlling the game with 59% of possession against 41% by Ghana.
Both teams have been tactical with their play so far and have come close to opening the scorelines at the Ismailia stadium. It is their 8th AFCON meeting.
15’: Nuhu Kassim rises above the Tunisian defence to connect a corner with his head but that effort saw the ball hitting the post. Another response from captain Andre Ayew was saved by the goalkeeper. It’s still barren.
11’: Referee flashes yellow card to two players- John Boye and Tunisian player, Dylan Bronn- for separate offences.
06′: Richard Ofori again runs to pick up the ball from a surging Khennisi.
01′: Tunisians make an early attempt to score but goalkeeper Richard Ofori was at hand to pick the with little efforts.
Coach Kwasi Appiah did not hide his emotions when the Ghana National Anthem was played. So was his captain Andre Ayew.
Source: Joy Sports