Surprised by the speed and self-sacrifice of the Namibian players, Tunisia lost (0-1) on Tuesday to the supposedly weakest team in group E. LKa Nambia can celebrate: its players won the first match of their history in the African Cup of Nations.
Published on: 01/16/2024 – 8:00 p.m. Modified on: 01/16/2024 – 8:41 p.m.
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It is never easy to take your first steps in a competition. Tunisia, which is a contender for the title in this CAN 2024, has just had the cruel experience of this, Tuesday January 16, for its entry into the running in Group E.
Everything started well for the Eagles of Carthage. From the 4th minute, Khenissi is very close to opening the score with a crossed header from a corner. We then expect to see the white waves crash over the Namibian Tom Thumb’s goal.
But nothing goes as planned. In the three-quarters empty Korhogo stadium, it is on the contrary Namibia which takes the game into its own hands. Striker and captain Peter Shalulile, who plays in the South African championship, inherited two clear chances in quick succession, well saved by a vigilant Tunisian goalkeeper.
Aggressive and sharp, the “Brave Warriors” have never lived up to their name so well. Well organized in their pressing, they thwart Tunisia which is no longer able to put its attackers into orbit.
L’exploit Namibia
Back from the locker room, it was again from a set piece that Jalel Kadri’s men sought salvation, but Kazapua deflected a well-aimed header from Talbi which was going to lodge under the bar.
Without complex, Namibia regains the initiative and once again finds itself a hair’s breadth from opening the score after a Tunisian loss of ball. Shalulile, again, crushes his recovery and allows Meriah to ward off the danger at the last minute (49th).
Less messy than in the first period, the Tunisians however appear too technically precise, like this left foot control completely missed in the area by Ben Slimane (60th). A few minutes later, Msakni fired a powerful header but Kazapua turned it away with the tip of his gloves.
At the end of the match, the mastery of the Namibian collective was rewarded. After a festival from Muzeu on the left, Hotto left alone behind the defense and placed an unstoppable header (87th, 1-0). The Brave Warriors achieve their feat!
Read alsoFind the ranking of group E
For Tunisia, the curse repeats itself. The team has not won any of its last four opening matches at an African Cup of Nations (2 draws, 2 defeats), since 2013. Namibia has its first victory in this competition. A deserved victory!
