Tunisia bounce back with win

TUNISIA scored twice in the second half to beat Algeria 2-1 in Franceville yesterday and haul themselves back into contention for an African Cup of Nations quarterfinals place.

An Aissa Mandi own-goal broke the deadlock and Naim Sliti converted a penalty as the Tunisians atoned for a 2-0 defeat by Senegal in their opening Group B game.

Substitute Sofiane Hanni scored a consolation goal for the Algerian Desert Foxes a minute into stoppage time.

Algeria have only one point from two matches and must defeat top-ranked African team Senegal on Monday to have a chance of survival.

Tunisia’s Aymen Mathlouthi was the busier goalkeeper during the opening half.

The vastly experienced shotstopper used his hands and legs to foil Yacine Brahimi, Islam Slimani, Adlane Guedioura and last year’s African Footballer of the Year Riyad Mahrez.

Tunisia came closest to scoring in the first half when the quick reactions of Algerian goalkeeper Malek Asselah prevented the ball from crossing the line.

Having weathered a first-half storm, Tunisia took the lead five minutes into the second half.

A throw-in – and a flick set – Msakni free and his intended cross was deflected by Mandi into his own net.

The Desert Foxes fell further behind on 66 minutes.

A Faouzi Ghoulam back-header aimed at his goalkeeper was far too weak and he then fouled Wahbi Khazri to concede a penalty.

ý In the late match, Liverpool star Sadio Mane and Henri Saivet scored as Senegal beat Zimbabwe 2-0 in Franceville to become the first qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations quarterfinals.