SPORTS

African Nations Cup: Gabon down Tunisia, finish top

February 01, 2012 08:46 IST

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored for the third successive game at the African Nations Cup to give co-hosts Gabon a 1-0 win over Tunisia on Tuesday that ensured they finished top of Group C.

Both teams had already qualified and Tunisia made eight changes to their starting line-up but that did not prevent them producing a niggly encounter which included a pushing match between several players at the end.

Gabon took one of few chances in the 62nd minute with a quick exchange of passes which sliced through the Tunisian midfield.

The break ended with Daniel Cousin finding Aubameyang and the 22-year-old St Etienne player scored with a low shot from the edge of the area with Tunisia goalkeeper Rami Jeridi unsighted.

Three-goal Aubameyang has been the inspiration behind Gabon's surprise run into the last eight, achieved with a dramatic 3-2 win over Morocco in their previous match.

Gabon topped the group with a maximum nine points while Tunisia finished with six.

Belhanda goal spares more Morocco blushes

Younes Belhanda's goal 11 minutes from time earned Morocco a 1-0 win over Niger on Tuesday in an African Nations Cup tie involving two Group C teams already eliminated.

It was the last game of the tournament for both nations who finished behind group winners Gabon, the co-hosts, and Tunisia.

Morocco dominated possession, their skilful midfielders cleverly interchanging passes but also overelaborating and showing indecision.

The only goal came when Marouane Chamakh, looking suspiciously offside, put Belhanda in for a sliding finish.

Niger created the best opportunities in front of a small crowd at the 45,000-capacity Libreville stadium.

The dangerous Moussa Maazou shaved the crossbar from close range just before halftime and after the break Abdoul Karim Lancina forced a good save from Morocco keeper Mohamed Amsif with a swerving long range free kick.

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Recommended by Rediff.com

NEXT ARTICLE

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email