Niger 1-2 Tunisia: Late Issam Jemaa goal wins it for the Carthage Eagles

A last gasp Issam Jemaa goal against a much improved Niger side at the Angonde stadium in Libreville proved just enough for Tunisia to edge ever closer to quarter-final qualification at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

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. Zouhaier Dhaouadi then had an opportunity to double the lead but his long distance effort missed the goal frame.

Just as the north Africans were taking control of the encounter, 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.

The equaliser clearly unsettled the Carthage Eagles players who struggled to get back into the match while Niger grew in confidence and had multiple opportunities to take the lead. Maazou was a constant threat for the Tunisian defence and even saw a legitimate penalty shout turned down by the referee near the end of the half.

Looking for attacking solutions, Sami Trabelsi replaced Amine Chermiti and Dhaouadi with Issam Jemaa and Oussama Darragi to start the second period. Despite the changes the threats were mainly coming from a familiar source in the shape of little Msakni.

On 63 minutes, Aymen Abdennour’s broke forward from central defence and rolled a left-footed shot onto Daouda’s post. The missed chance quickly turned into a Mena counter attack that highlighted the danger posed by Harouna Doula’s team.

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.

Should Gabon defeat or draw with Morocco, then Tunisia will be through to the second round. Only an Atlas Lions win could change matters in Group C.