Zim, Algeria set for flights home

PRE-TOURNAMENT FAVOURITES IN TAME EXIT Tunisia, Senegal march into Afcon quarterfinals.

The Africa Cup of Nations burst into life as Tunisia joined Senegal in the quarterfinals and Algeria, among the pre-tournament favourites, were eliminated after 10 goals were scored at the conclusion of Group B on Monday.

Senegal, who had already secured top place, rested key players as they drew 2-2 with Algeria in Franceville, while Tunisia, who needed just one point to take second spot, comfortably beat Zimbabwe 4-2 in Libreville.

Senegal stay in Franceville for Saturday’s quarterfinal against Cameroon when Tunisia are in the Gabonese capital to face Burkina Faso in the opening game of the knockout phase.

Tunisia’s four goals came in a rampant first half as Naim Sliti, Youssef Msakni, Yassine Khenessi and Wahbi Khazri, with a penalty, put Zimbabwe to the sword.

Zimbabwe had to win to advance but fell behind after 10 minutes and, although Knowledge Musona and Tendai Ndoro found the net, they exited the tournament with just one point.

“We learnt here that we lack a little experience at this level,” said captain Willard Katsande.

Islam Slimani’s 10th-minute strike put Algeria ahead but Pape Diop’s volleyed equaliser came just before half-time.

By then Algeria’s slim hopes had dissipated with Tunisia’s handy advantage in the other game but they did regain the lead in untidy fashion after 52 minutes.

Riyad Mahrez found Slimani with a cross to the far post and his scuffed shot looped over the goalkeeper.

But 90 seconds later Senegal equalised again as Moussa Sow drilled the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. –

Algeria’s Belgian coach Georges Leekens quit yesterday after his side crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations. Algeria were one of the pre-tournament favourites for the tournament in Gabon but crashed out after failing to win a game in the group.

“I decided to quit and I wish all the success in the world to the national side,” he said. –

AFP