The Gambia continued to create history on Thursday. They defeated Tunisia 1-0 in a thrilling Group F match in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade Municipal de Limbe. Gambia finished second in Group F but tied on points with Mali, which defeated Mauritania 2-0 in Douala. The game had it all: a penalty miss, a sending-off, and a late dramatic victory by Ablie Jallow.
Both clubs were seeking for vital points to secure their last Group F position and a spot in the competition’s knockout round. The Carthage Eagles pushed for an early lead, creating opportunities in the first quarter.
Gambia Dominated Tunisia
Tunisia had 6 attempts with 0 shots on goal at the half-hour mark. Tunisia’s assault was led by Anis Ben Slimane, Hamza Rafia, and Seifeddine Jaziri, who couldn’t find any significant cracks in the Gambia defense line.
The North African‘s first shot on goal came from the penalty spot after Seifeddine Jaziri was fouled in the area. Modou Jagne was the perpetrator of the foul against Jaziri. However, the chance was wasted when Gambia goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye saved Jaziri’s penalty shortly before halftime.
Tunisia’s backup goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha was sent off for aggressive behavior and was ejected from the game. As a result, he will miss two games. After the first 45 minutes, the score was 0-0.
Ben Slimane was Tunisia’s most threatening player, and he came near with a shot at the start of the second half, but it was deflected wide for a corner.
On the other side, Musa Barrow appeared to be the most likely to score for the Scorpions. Many Gambians were looking for a sting in the tail at this moment. That almost happened when Barrow’s blistering shot rocked the crossbar, sending tremors through the Tunisia camp.
Ablie Jallow scored in stoppage time to earn them three points and second place in Group F.
