Tunisia clashed with Namibia in their opening game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast.
The Carthage Eagles feel to a shocking defeat against underdogs Namibia, with a late goal piercing the hearts of Tunisia supporters.
It was a nervy encounter with a scarcity of chances falling to both teams throughout the entire duration of the game.
Tunisia saw a chance in the 10th minute, with Wajdi Kechrida smashing a shot high and wide, which obviously didn't trouble the Namibians.
The Carthage Eagles made an early substitution in the game, introducing Haythem Jouini for Taha Khenissi.
Namibia, managed by Collin Benjamin also got an opportunity to go in front at the dying embers of the first half, with Peter Shulile attempting a right-footed shot from a difficult angle.
The attacker's long-range effort also went off target, with both teams ending the first half level pegging.
Both sides also prosecuted the second 45 just like they did the first, with a handful of chances managed to be seen by both teams.
Anyway, Tunisia, who crashed out in the semi-final of the last Africa Cup of Nations, made a change for the second period, with Aissa Laidouni coming on for Mohamed Romdhane.
5 minutes into the second half, Pete Shulile also had an effort at goal, which was blocked by the defense of Tunisia.
Jalel Kadri's Tunisia also got a decent opportunity in the 55th minute, but Haythem Jouini's attempt just dashed to the right side of the goal.
The two teams continued to battle but goals were not forthcoming. Meanwhile, with the need to improve the performance of his team, Ngero Katua replaced Petrus Shitembi, while Bethuel Muzeu entered into the fray for Prins Menelik Tijiueza.
In the 83rd minute, Tunisia also brought on Sayfallah Ltaief for Anis Slimane and 5 minutes later, Namibia shockingly rose into the lead.
Deon Hotto powered home a header from close range into the net, beating Bechir Said in goal for the Carthage Eagles, with the assist being made by Bethuel Muzeu.
Looking to get back into the game, Jalel Kadri sent on Bassem Srarfi for Elias Achouri.
Unfortunately for Tunisia, they begin the tournament on a losing note, while Namibia celebrate into the night, having picked up a shocking victory despite all odds.
Namibia are ranked 115th in the world, while Tunisia are ranked 28th, indeed the Brave Warriors were courageous at the Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly, sneaking a late goal that propelled them to victory.
Tunisia face Mali in their second game of the group on Sunday, January 21, 2024, and surely that game is expected to be highly intense and competitive.
For Namibia, their second group encounter is against South Africa on Sunday, January 21, 2024, and they will be hoping to get a hearty result against the South Africans.
Namibia have been at the Africa Cup of Nations just thrice previously; in 1998, 2008, and 2019, and they have crashed out in the group stage on all 3 previous occasions.
The Carthage Eagles feel to a shocking defeat against underdogs Namibia, with a late goal piercing the hearts of Tunisia supporters.
It was a nervy encounter with a scarcity of chances falling to both teams throughout the entire duration of the game.
Tunisia saw a chance in the 10th minute, with Wajdi Kechrida smashing a shot high and wide, which obviously didn't trouble the Namibians.
The Carthage Eagles made an early substitution in the game, introducing Haythem Jouini for Taha Khenissi.
Namibia, managed by Collin Benjamin also got an opportunity to go in front at the dying embers of the first half, with Peter Shulile attempting a right-footed shot from a difficult angle.
The attacker's long-range effort also went off target, with both teams ending the first half level pegging.
Both sides also prosecuted the second 45 just like they did the first, with a handful of chances managed to be seen by both teams.
Anyway, Tunisia, who crashed out in the semi-final of the last Africa Cup of Nations, made a change for the second period, with Aissa Laidouni coming on for Mohamed Romdhane.
5 minutes into the second half, Pete Shulile also had an effort at goal, which was blocked by the defense of Tunisia.
Jalel Kadri's Tunisia also got a decent opportunity in the 55th minute, but Haythem Jouini's attempt just dashed to the right side of the goal.
The two teams continued to battle but goals were not forthcoming. Meanwhile, with the need to improve the performance of his team, Ngero Katua replaced Petrus Shitembi, while Bethuel Muzeu entered into the fray for Prins Menelik Tijiueza.
In the 83rd minute, Tunisia also brought on Sayfallah Ltaief for Anis Slimane and 5 minutes later, Namibia shockingly rose into the lead.
Deon Hotto powered home a header from close range into the net, beating Bechir Said in goal for the Carthage Eagles, with the assist being made by Bethuel Muzeu.
Looking to get back into the game, Jalel Kadri sent on Bassem Srarfi for Elias Achouri.
Unfortunately for Tunisia, they begin the tournament on a losing note, while Namibia celebrate into the night, having picked up a shocking victory despite all odds.
Namibia are ranked 115th in the world, while Tunisia are ranked 28th, indeed the Brave Warriors were courageous at the Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly, sneaking a late goal that propelled them to victory.
Tunisia face Mali in their second game of the group on Sunday, January 21, 2024, and surely that game is expected to be highly intense and competitive.
For Namibia, their second group encounter is against South Africa on Sunday, January 21, 2024, and they will be hoping to get a hearty result against the South Africans.
Namibia have been at the Africa Cup of Nations just thrice previously; in 1998, 2008, and 2019, and they have crashed out in the group stage on all 3 previous occasions.
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