GABON 0, TUNISIA 0
In the first game of a Group D African Cup of Nations doubleheader Sunday, Gabon held on for its second straight clean sheet, and put itself in prime position to qualify for the quarterfinals for just the second time in their history (the other being 1996).
Gabon (4 points) needs only a draw in its final contest against Zambia to advance, while if results go their way in the Cameroon-Tunisia match, they might already be through.
Meanwhile, Tunisia (2 points) – who had their chances – will likely have to beat Cameroon in their final match to qualify for the quarterfinals for the 7th time in eight African Cup of Nations.
Both teams came out with intensity that has been lacking a little in some of the matches in Angola. It was Tunisia who had the brighter start, particularly Amine Chermiti, who was in a lone striker’s role up top.
Chermiti (actually property of Hertha Berlin, but in Saudi Arabia on loan), was incorrectly judged to be offside in just the second minute. He also got the best chance of the opening half for either team after an errant backpass saw him in alone against Gabon goalkeeper Didier Ovono in the 27th minute. Chermiti rounded Ovono, but Ovono did just enough to give his defense enough time to get behind him and the shot was cleared off the line.
Although The Eagles of Carthage had more possession, particularly in the early part of the half, Gabon’s pace gave Tunisia problems repeatedly, especially 20-year old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who – along with his brother – are property of AC Milan (although Pierre is out on loan for the season at Lille).
Gabon also threatened on a couple of corner kicks, veteran Moise Brou came closest in the 19th minute when his open header sailed wide.
In an African Cup of Nations that has been largely devoid of it, this encounter featured plenty of physical play (a combined 25 first-half fouls) – and bookings. There were three in the first half (two for Tunisia).
Tunisia again started the brighter side in the second half, getting several free kicks in dangerous spots. In the 61st minute, Ammar Jemal was inches away from poking it past Ovono, and Ovono was fortunate after spilling the short-hop that teammate Daniel Cousin was there to clear the danger.
Just as in the first half, as the game wore on, Gabon became more and more dangerous, but didn’t create many chances (except on set pieces) with their pace.
Eric Mouloungi of Nice hit a 30-yard rocket in the 64th minute that troubled Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi. A minute later, Tunisia had a half-hearted penalty appeal turned down, and replays showed there was minimal contact (referee Codja Koffi of Benin had a solid match throughout).
Substitute Ahmed Akaichi found himself in some fortunate spots for Tunisia on a couple of occasions but could not give the killer blow. In the 81st minute, he was ruled offside (which looked incorrect), but hit the crossbar anyway. Two minutes later on a counterattack, Akaichi chose to shoot rather than pass, and it was blocked and went out for a corner.
Gabon had one final chance on the final kick of the game off a free kick, but it amounted to nothing, and the teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.
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