Monday 23 January 2017, 22:04

Tunisia join Senegal in knockout stages

THE DAY REPLAYED – Senegal claimed top spot in Group B at the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations after coming back twice to draw with Algeria. Tunisia finished runners-up in the group after a convincing victory over Zimbabwe. FIFA.com recaps the final day of action in the group.

The day’s results Group B Zimbabwe 2-4 Tunisia Senegal 2-2 Algeria

The analysis Needing only a draw from Monday’s group finale in Libreville, Tunisia removed any doubt over their passage to the quarter-finals with a four-goal explosion in the first half. Naim Sliti gave the Eagles of Carthage an early lead before a fine passing move allowed Youssef Msakni to double their advantage midway through the opening half. Taha Khenissi made it three for the North Africans before Zimbabwe replied through a fine finish from Knowledge Musona. Tunisia’s fourth goal came just before half-time, as Wahbi Khazri converted from the penalty spot. The Warriors made the scoreline respectable with the only goal of the second half from Tendai Ndoro, but it was Tunisia that deservedly claimed all three points and a last-eight meeting with Group A winners Burkina Faso in Libreville on Saturday.

In the other Group B match in Franceville, Senegal ensured they advanced to the knockout stages undefeated after twice cancelling out goals from Algerian striker Islam Slimani. After the Leicester City forward had given Les Fennecs an early lead, Papakouli Diop drew the Lions of Teranga level just before half-time. Slimani scored his second of the match shortly after the break, but Senegal immediately replied through Moussa Sow to ensure they won Group B and set up a quarter-final meeting with Group A runners-up Cameroon in Franceville on Saturday. Though they came to this Africa Cup of Nations with a strong squad, Algeria bow out of the competition after failing to record a victory in their three group contests.

Highlight of the day Tunisia’s march to the last eight was typified by a rampant first-half display against Zimbabwe. Their second goal proved particularly pleasing on the eye, as Msakni played a fine give-and-go with Sliti before striking the ball through the legs of Warriors goalkeeper Tatenda Mkuruva.

The stat 10 – The final matches in Group B produced the highest goal total of any matchday in the group stages so far at Gabon 2017, with Tunisia becoming the first team to score four goals at this edition.

Next matchday Tuesday 24 January (all times local) **Group C Togo-Congo DR (20.00) Morocco-Côte d'Ivoire (20.00)

The winners of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Gabon 2017 will represent the continent at the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017.