The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Fightback

Nigeria weathered a stunning comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in the host nation.

The Super Eagles appeared to be in complete control in their Group C clash in the Moroccan city, holding a 3-0 lead with just 17 minutes left courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a powerful header from a Hannibal Mejbri set-piece, sparking hopes of a recovery.

The tension intensified when the North Africans were awarded a late penalty after a VAR review spotted a handling offense by Bright Osayi-Samuel. The left-back converted in the 87th minute to set up a nail-biting conclusion.

The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a stunning equalizer in added time, with their skipper directing a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley past the upright.

Securing First Place

This result ensures that Nigeria, winners of the competition on 3 past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in their pool with a match still to play.

In the next round, they will meet a best third-place side from either Group A, B or F.

In the other match, the 2004 champions stay on 3 group points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on a single point each after playing out a 1-1 stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding group matches will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on the Cranes on the next matchday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to face Tanzania.

An Anxious Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the 2023 edition, become the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will undoubtedly be feeling relieved.

What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter morphed into a tense affair.

Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock right before the interval, expertly guiding a header into the bottom corner from an Atalanta winger delivery.

The advantage was doubled soon in the second period when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to power home a header from a Lookman corner.

Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, before Montassar Talbi to direct a powerful header past the Nigerian shot-stopper to initiate the fightback.

The pivotal moment arrived when a looping cross struck the arm of Bright Osayi-Samuel, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after reviewing the VAR monitor.

Although Ali Abdi's successful penalty, Tunisia ultimately came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback.

Their fate remains in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to prevent a repeat of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his previous resignation.