Tunisia came from a goal down to punish wasteful Zambia in Group B second round of matches.
Captain of Tunisia Yassine Chikhaoui scored the winner in the 89th minute to punish Zambia for being wasteful.
Zambia took the lead through Emmanuel Mayuka in the second half and deserved the lead after playing so well.
Zambia failed to kill off the game after missing several opportunities. Captain Chikhaoui made them pay for all those missed opportunities with and 89th minute winner. Ahmed Akaichi scored the equaliser for the North Africans before Chikhaoui headed home the winner.
Zambia 1:2 Tunisia
Tunisia find themselves in pole position to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time since they won the tournament 11 years ago.
The North Africans attacked well in the opening exchanges, creating few chances. There were claims for a hand ball in the penalty area of Zambia, it appeared the ball struck the arm of Stophira Senzu but the referee was not interested. Zambia soon took control of the game with some swift passing football and were creating better chances. Captain of Zambia Kalaba had one of shots draw a great save from Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi. Kalaba also had some good chances on the edge of the area but failed to convert. Senzu was next to be denied by Mathlouthi after Tunisia endured massive pressure from Zambia.
Kalaba who posed all the threat to Tunisia finally made the play to set up the opening goal for Zambia in the 59th minute. He did well to get a loose ball under control and drew three defenders to himself, he got into a dangerous area to set up the unmarked Mayuka who slotted home from just about 6 yards out.
Mayuka had the chance to kill off the games as he dragged his shot wide, he again missed a chance created by Kalaba as he sent in low cross but Mayuka missed with the goal at his mercy. Tunisia had not managed any threatening attack in the second half and when they did, they punished Zambia for all their missed opportunities. Akaichi scored from a flicked on corner to level the score before Chikhaoui headed in the killer blow to take Tunisia top of Group B.
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