Afcon Quarterfinals Match Report: Tunisia 1-2 Equatorial Guinea 31 January 2015
Balboa
Africa Cup of Nations - Quarterfinals Result: Tunisia 1-2 Equatorial Guinea Date: 31 January 2015 Venue: Estadio de Bate Afcon hosts, Equatorial Guinea, secured their spot in the semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Tunisia in extra-time. View The AFCON Fixtures The game got off to a cagey affair, with both sides keen to feel each other out rather than go all out on the attack. The first meaningful effort of the half arrived after the 30-minute mark, as Sassi's header from six-yards out sailed just wide of the mark. The hosts nearly went ahead in the 39th minute, as Mathlouthi picked out Javier Balbao on the edge of the area but the winger's volley was cleared away by Aymen Abdennour. Tunisia started the second half the better of the two sides, and went close in the 51st minute as Ahmed Akaichi forced Ovono into brilliant save from distance. The opening goal arrived in the 70th minute, as Yaacoubi's inviting picked out Akaichi, who poked home at the near post for his third of toournament. Aymen Mathlouthi came to Tunisia's rescue in the 82nd minute, the shot-stopper pulled off a fine save to deny Obama Nsue Ondo an equaliser. The game was forced into extra time, as the hosts were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, which Balboa converted with ease. The winning goal arrived in the first half of extra time, courtesy of sublime free-kick from Balboa, his third goal of the competition. Here's how they lined up: Tunisia: Mathlouthi, Youssef, Abdennour, Ragued, Chikhaoui (c), Maaloul, Sassi, Mathlouthi, Khazri, Akachi, Yakoubi Equatorial Guinea: Ovono, Gomez, Mangue, Travieso, Bosio, Lopez (c), Balboa, Aquerico, Viera, Esono
