Senegal 1-0 (AET) Tunisia
The margins at the finer level of sport can be measured in fractions.
July 14, 2019 will show that when the record books are assessed for eternity – you only need to look at the finals of the Cricket World Cup and Wimbledon today as proof.
While this didn’t quite have the drama of what happened in the English capital, it still had its own level of drama and talking points befitting of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ultimately it was success for Senegal, Heartbreak for Tunisia.
Highlights of the game
Both nations had made it this far in very different ways but the closeness between the nations could not be underestimated.
That was reflected over 120 minutes when there was little to choose between them other than the decisive moment – Tunisia’s second own goal in a week.
There had also been Africa Cup of Nations highlights galore before the unfortunate own goal finally separated the sides.
One hundred minutes were on the clock when Tunisia defender Dylan Bronn inadvertently headed the ball into his own net.
Goalkeeper Mouez Hassen tipped Sadio Mane’s free-kick onto Bronn’s head and with that Senegal had moved to within 90 minutes of a first AFCON championship.
Hassen could have been a winner. He saved Henri Saivet’s penalty in fine fashion during a mind-boggling close to normal time, denying Senegal a late winner and keeping Tunisia in with a chance.
Indeed, both sides had penalties saved in normal time as tensions rose in the June 30 Stadium in Cairo.
Tunisia also had a late penalty award harshly overturned by VAR deep into extra-time.
In normal time, Mane spurned their best opportunity when he missed an open goal as the Lions of Teranga heaped pressure on the Carthage Eagles early on and Youssouf Sabaly hit the post 25 minutes in.
Taha Khenissi and Ferjani Sassi came close for Tunisia in the space of a minute at the start of the second half, with the latter testing Alfred Gomis with his effort.
Tunisia certainly improved after the interval and were awarded a spot kick when Sassi’s effort struck Kalidou Koulibaly’s arm, but Sassi’s spot-kick lacked power and direction and was saved by Gomis.
Four minutes later Senegal were given a penalty of their own when Ismaila Sarr was brought down by Bronn, but Saivet’s shot was kept out by Hassen.
The Tunisia goalkeeper then inadvertently gifted victory to Senegal, who will be without influential captain Koulibaly for the final as he is suspended.
Even after that, Tunisia had right to feel aggrieved when VAR overturned a handball against Idrissa Gana Gueye.
The referee Bamlak Tessemahad initially pointed to the penalty spot for a third time with 115 minutes on the clock after Salif Sane headed the ball against Gueye’s arm, but the initial call was overruled, much to the anger of Tunisia’s players.
Senegal are potentially 90 minutes away from being crowned kings of Africa.
Key statistics
Senegal have only conceded one goal in six games at the tournament.
Senegal have reached the Africa Cup of Nations final for the first time since 2002, when they lost to Cameroon. They have never won the tournament.
Tunisia have traditionally got the better of Senegal with nine wins overall compared to their five triumphs. There have also been a further seven draws.
Senegal have won their last two meetings – their only triumphs over Tunisia in their last 12 clashes, a run going back to 1989.
What’s next?
The SBOBET Africa Cup of Nations betting odds are so close.
It’s Algeria or Nigeria next in the final on Friday (July 19). That semi-final is being played as I type!
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