Goalless draw enough to ensure progress for Tunisia

Tunisia booked their place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after a goalless draw with Mauritania was enough to secure runners-up spot in Group E behind Mali.

The Carthage Eagles had also drawn their opening two matches, holding Mali 1-1 on Friday, so were still not sure of progress to the knockout stage ahead of Tuesday night’s match in Suez.

Mauritania, who drew 0-0 with Angola after being trashed 4-1 by Mali, had early chances when Ismael Diakhite’s angled shot was pushed away by Mouez Hassen, but then saw captain Abdoul Ba forced off by injury.

Diakhite, who plays for Tunisian side US Tataouine, squandered another opportunity before Mohamed Yaly was denied by a save from the goalkeeper.

Tunisia captain Youssef Msakni fired a low shot wide just before half-time.

The Carthage Eagles finally raised the tempo during the second half but neither side were able to find a breakthrough.

A point, though, was enough for Tunisia to progress, following Angola’s 1-0 defeat by Mali in Ismailia.