Tunisia are close to advancing to the second round of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after Issam Jemaa's 90th minute goal gave them three precious points against Niger.
The north Africans enjoyed a dream start to their match when Youssef Msakni slipped in from the left side, much like he did against Morocco, dribbling the entire defence before slotting in the first goal.
 |
Niger scored against the run of play when Moussa Maazou used his hand to interfere with Tunisia’s goalkeeper, resulting in a William Tonji Ngounou header drifting over everyone and into the net.
With the clock ticking down and the game entering the 90th minute, Tunisian all-time leading scorer Issam Jemaa was on hand to score the all important goal for the Carthage Eagles and deny a spirited Niger their first points at the continental tournament.
A dramatic goal from substitute Bruno Zita Mbanangoye eight minutes into stoppage-time saw Gernot Rohr's co-hosts storm into the last-eight at the expense of dark horses Morocco.
Houssine Kharja's composed finish had set Morocco on their way after the north Africans had dominated in the first half. A quick-fire comeback followed as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang volleyed in a sumptuous strike before Daniel Cousin looked to have sealed a quarter-final berth in the 79th minute.
 |
Charly Moussono's handball in the penalty area saw Houssine Kharja convert the spot-kick for his second of the match. A final twist saw substitute Mbanangoye strike in a wonderful free kick to seal the most dramatic of wins.
