2023 AFCON: South Africa v Tunisia report

24/01/2024 21:10

Match 33 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations saw South Africa hold Tunisia to a 0-0 draw in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group E clash at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo.

Date: Wednesday 24 January 2024

Result: South Africa 0

Tunisia 0

Teams: South Africa: Williams, Mudau (Mobbie 46'), Kekana, Mvala, Modiba, Sithole, Mokoena, Morena (Maseko 67'), Zwane (Monare 80'), Tau, Makgopa (Lepasa 84').

Tunisia: Ben Said, Kechrida, Talbi, Meriah, Abdi, Rafia (Ltaief 70'), Laidouni, Skhiri (Ben Romdhane 84'), Slimane (Msakni 59'), Achouri (Sliti 70'), Jaziri (Jouini 70').

First 45: Tunisia created all the early pressure, but had only one wayward header to show for their dominance, while South Africa looked more dangerous after the half-hour mark and had promising attempts from Thapelo Morena and Mothobi Mvala.

Second 45: The second stanza followed a similar pattern to the first, with Tunisia starting well before South Africa found their own rhythm – though both lacked the quality in the final third to break the deadlock. The key moment arrived in the 89th minute when Tunisia substitute Haythem Jouini missed from a free header.

What the result means: Combined with a 0-0 between Namibia and Mali in the other Group E game, South Africa finished second to secure progression. Tunisia came home in last place and were eliminated from the AFCON at the group stage for the first time since 2013.

What's next: South Africa will face the winner of Group F (likely to be Morocco) in the final Round of 16 match, set for San Pedro on Tuesday 30 January.