Senegal and Tunisia split points

Senegal and Tunisia on Wednesday sold high class football to open “Group D” matches of the 26th MTN Africa Cup of Nations played at Tamale Sports Stadium and finally settled for 2–2 draw. The Tunisians were the first to draw blood when Jemaa Issam made an individual effort to hit the back of the net in the 10th minute to register the first goal for his side. This came as surprise since football analysts and some supporters had predicted a win for Senegal. The Senegalese picked up their game after the goal and with accurate passes tried severally at goal but could not find the net leaving their supporters shouting in despair. Playmaker Sall Moustapha brought Senegal back into the game on the 45th minute when the Tunisians committed a defensive blunder for the striker to slot the ball in for the long awaited equaliser for Senegal. Back from the recess, the Senegalese exhibited more skills and created a lot of scoring chances but had to wait till the 65th minute when Kamara Douf tapped the ball into the net in a goal-mouth melee to fetch the second goal for his side. The second goal was greeted thunderous approval from the vociferous Senegalese supporters, who kept on urging their team to go in for more goals. The Senegalese responded by stepping up their game with the spectators singing their praises. Tunisia’s Bhishllah Mahdi, however, ended the Senegalese dream of winning the match when in the 81st minute he delivered a terrific shot from outside the box to fetch the much needed equaliser for his side. The game from then saw the two sides enjoying the support of the home crowd, with both sides continuing to exhibit quality football and trying hard to find the winning goal but time did not wait for them as the referee brought the match to an end to leave them with one point apiece.