Sub Khazri can’t save Tunisians
Sunderland winger Wahbi Khazri endured a disappointing debut in the Africa Cup of Nations last night – as Tunisia succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Senegal.
Khazri recovered from an ankle sprain, sustained in last weekend’s warm-up friendly defeat to Egypt, but he was only on the bench for Tunisia’s Group B opener in Gabon.
Khazri came on at the break, replacing Larry Azouni, but his side were already two goals down.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane hit a 10th-minute penalty opener, then Kara Mbodji made it 2-0 on the half hour.
Khazri had one opportunity from a freekick, but his effort was straight at the keeper.
In the other Group B tie, Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez opened and closed the scoring for Algeria in a 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe.
Khazri’s Tunisia next face a crucial clash with Algeria on Thursday.
O n Saturday, Sunderland’s Didier Ndong suffered lastminute frustration when host nation Gabon were pegged back for a 1-1 draw, with Juary Soares hauling Guinea-Bissau level.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had given Gabon the lead. Ndong played the full match and must now prepare to meet Burkina Faso, fresh from a 1-1 draw with Cameroon, on Wednesday.
Sunderland defender Lamine Kone will hope to be fit for Ivory Coast’s Group C meeting with Togo tonight.