The Super Eagles Secure Afcon Last 16 Spot Despite Late Carthage Eagles Comeback

The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament taking place in the host nation.

Jose Peseiro's side appeared to be in complete control in their pool clash in the Moroccan city, enjoying a three-goal lead with just 17 minutes left thanks to strikes from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Yet, Montassar Talbi reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Manchester United midfielder set-piece, igniting hopes of a turnaround.

The drama intensified when the North Africans were awarded a spot-kick after a video assistant referee review identified a handball by the Nigerian defender. Ali Abdi converted in the 87th minute to create a nail-biting conclusion.

Tunisia came agonizingly close from a stunning equalizer in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi directing a opportunity narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi sent a half-volley wide of the upright.

Securing First Place

This result ensures that the Super Eagles, champions of the competition on three past instances, move to 6 group points and are guaranteed top spot in Group C with a match left to be contested.

In the next round, they will face a third-placed side from one of Group A, B or F.

Meanwhile, Tunisia remain on three group points, with Uganda and Tanzania tied on one point after registering a one-all stalemate earlier on Saturday.

The concluding pool fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to take on Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to Rabat to confront the Taifa Stars.

An Anxious Conclusion

The Super Eagles, runners-up in the previous edition, are the next nation after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and supporters will certainly be breathing a sigh of relief.

What looked like set to be a comfortable final quarter transformed into a tense affair.

The prolific striker had a effort ruled out for offside before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the far post from an Atalanta winger cross.

The lead was extended early in the second half when the Leicester City midfielder climbed above everyone to thump in a powerful nod from a set-piece kick.

Osimhen then turned provider his teammate for the seemingly decisive goal, only for the defender to steer a header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback.

The pivotal incident came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with the official awarding a penalty after reviewing the pitchside screen.

Although the defender's successful penalty, the 2004 champions in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring recovery.

Tunisia's destiny is still in their control; a point against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and manager Sami Trabelsi will be keen to avoid a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that led to his previous resignation.