- By Eshlin Vedan
- BBC Sport Africa
South Africa reached the final 16 on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a goalless draw in opposition to Tunisia which eradicated the 2004 champions.
Sphephelo Sithole had Bafana Bafana’s finest likelihood, forcing Bechir Ben Mentioned right into a low save along with his shot from outdoors the field.
Tunisia didn’t create clear openings however Haythem Jouini headed a late alternative over the bar.
South Africa held their nerve to see out 5 minutes of added time.
Hugo Broos’ facet will face the winners of Group F within the final 16 in San Pedro on Tuesday, and can discover out their opponents in a while Wednesday.
Carthage Eagles exit with a whimper
Picture supply, Getty Photographs
Tunisia have been the extra enterprising facet however lacked finish product, whereas South Africa performed as if they have been vying for the draw which might be sufficient to progress quite than a win.
Jalel Kadri’s Tunisia had their first good likelihood after 26 minutes as Elias Achouri headed huge following a cross from Wajdi Kechrida.
South Africa’s finest first-half opening got here when Percy Tau exploited a lapse in focus from the Tunisia defence earlier than enjoying in a cross which Proof Makgopa headed huge on the close to put up.
Tunisia had greater than 65% possession within the first half, however their play didn’t resemble a facet which needed to win to remain alive within the competitors.
In an try to assault from the onset after the restart, the North Africans modified their formation from 4-4-2 to 4-2-4 however continued to make little affect going ahead.
Not even the introduction of skilled ahead Youssef Msakni, enjoying in his eighth Afcon finals, for the ultimate half-hour might spark the Carthage Eagles into motion – though Nyiko Mobbie made an important defensive intervention to win the ball from Ali Abdi contained in the South Africa field.
Bafana Bafana abruptly began to threaten, with Sithole calling Ben Mentioned into motion earlier than Teboho Mokoena shot huge from vary and Tau had an effort blocked.
An unmarked Jouini wasted what was in all probability Tunisia’s finest likelihood, heading over Sayfallah Ltaief’s cross from six yards out within the 89th minute.
Yassine Meriah headed a stoppage-time nook effectively off track and the outcome introduced an finish to Tunisia’s disastrous Afcon marketing campaign wherein they scored just one aim and completed backside of Group E regardless of being ranked above all three opponents.
In the meantime, 1996 champions South Africa have an opportunity to succeed in a 3rd quarter-final in 4 outings on the finals after lacking the 2021 version in Cameroon.
