Tunisia, previously ranked third in Africa, exited the Cup of Nations following a goalless draw with South Africa in a lackluster final round Group E match held in Korhogo on Wednesday.
Despite a late opportunity to secure victory and advance, substitute Haythem Jouini’s header went well over the crossbar. Tunisia, following Algeria, became the second top 10-ranked nation to be eliminated after the opening round.
Mali clinched the top spot in Group E with a 0-0 draw against Namibia, securing qualification to the knockout stage along with second-placed South Africa.
Tunisia made significant changes, sidelining veteran captain and forward Youssef Msakni, who had minimal impact in previous matches. Defender Yassine Meriah assumed the captaincy.
In the sweltering 36-degree Celsius (97 Fahrenheit) heat of northern Ivory Coast, the early stages of the match were cagey and scrappy. Tunisia had more possession but failed to utilize it effectively.
Midway through the first half, Tunisia squandered three half-chances, with Ellyes Skhiri, Anis Ben Slimane, and Elias Achouri missing the target. South Africa, with a starting lineup unchanged from their previous four-goal victory against Namibia, had their own attempts, but none found the mark.
The disappointing first half saw Tunisia with five goal attempts, yet none on target. Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe was among the spectators.
The second half’s kick-off was delayed to coincide with the Mali vs. Namibia match. Approaching the hour mark, veteran Msakni, based in Qatar, replaced Ben Slimane and earned his 100th cap for the Carthage Eagles. Earlier this month, Msakni joined an elite group, becoming the fourth player, alongside Rigobert Song, Ahmed Hassan, and Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew, to feature in eight Cup of Nations tournaments.