Gambia and Guinea wind up for a knockout showdown

Ablie Jallow rifling in a late winner over Tunisia

Some chaotic scenes as Gambia scored a dramatic late winner to beat Tunisia 1-nil and claim second place in their first ever African Cup of Nations tournament. Tunisia was awarded a penalty just before halftime after their center-forward was brought down inside the area following a challenge by Gambian captain Pa Modou Jagne. Jaziri took it next and for the third game in row the North Africans missed from the spot. Man of the match in the scorpions goal Baboucarr Gaye saving well diving low to his right.

There was chaos at the end of the first half. Still not clear from the live pictures why but Tunisia substitute goalkeeper Ben Moustapha was sent off for violent conduct. The scorpions come close to scoring with another great set piece from Musa Barrow - would it have been some free kick had it gone in after rattling the post for the third time in as many games. But deep in added time Ablie Jallow just as in the opening match against Mauritania, got the winner for Gambia with another stunner, stretching the remarkable Gambian story in the tournament.

The 1-0 win was not quite going to be enough to win the group, but they are going through in sensational style finishing second level of points with Mali. Tunisia went through as one of the best third place teams. Mali progressed from the group as winners when they won 2-0 against Mauritania.  Ibrahima Kone scored another penalty to make it 11 goals in nine caps for the big center-forward. Mauritania finished bottom of the group with no win and no goal scored.

What’s next?

As mentioned earlier, Mali, Gambia and Tunisia have all qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations’ Last 16. The Tunisians will meet Nigeria on January 23 at the Rounde Adija Stadium. Gambia, on the other hand, will lock horns with Guinea on January 24 at the Kouekong stadium in Bafoussam.  And Finally, Mali will take on Equatorial Guinea on January 26 at the Limbe Stadium.