The Tunisian national team has been eliminated from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after a goalless draw (0-0) against South Africa today, Wednesday, in the final round of the group stage. Tunisia failed to score a goal throughout the match, which was necessary for their qualification to the Round of 16, especially with Mali and Namibia drawing in the same round.
This marks the first time that the African champions of 2004 have exited this stage of the tournament in 11 years, specifically during the 2013 edition hosted by South Africa.
In Group E standings: Mali finished first with 5 points, South Africa second with 4 points, Namibia third with 4 points, and Tunisia at the bottom with only 2 points.
The first half was very cautious from both teams, and Tunisia did not provide a convincing performance from the outset, lacking offensive solutions and missing opportunities.
Saeed Eldin Al-Jaziri started the match but was substituted in the 70th minute, while Percy Tau was in the starting lineup for South Africa and completed the full 90 minutes. Ali Maaloul was on the bench for the Tunisian Eagles and did not participate in the match.
Tunisia's threat on the South African goal was limited despite some periods of control in the game, relying on crosses that the South African defenders managed to handle. Haitham Al-Jouini missed the best Tunisian chance when he received a cross but headed it over the crossbar in front of an open goal.
Despite the draw being sufficient for qualification, Bafana Bafana pressed at times in the second half and almost scored the winning goal in the closing minutes with some powerful shots from outside the box, which Tunisian goalkeeper Bashir Ben Said skillfully saved.
