January 17, (THEWILL) – Tunisia increased their chances of reaching the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stages as they defeated Mauritania 4-nil, with Wahbi Khazri scoring twice.
The Eagles of Carthage earned their first points in Group F helped by goals from the Saint-Etienne forward in either half, while Hamza Mathlouthi and Seifeddine Jaziri contributed to the scoreline for an emphatic victory.
Tunisia was hoping to avoid losing four consecutive AFCON matches for the first time in their history after losing their opener to Mali.
And, they got off to a great start, scoring twice in the first ten minutes at Stade Municipal de Limbe. First, Mathlouthi scored his first international goal, which was quickly followed by the first of Khazri’s goals.
In the 64th minute, Khazri skillfully dummied Ali Maaloul’s ball before finishing the return pass from Ghaylene Chaalali, putting an end to any feeble chances Mauritania had of getting back into the game.
Two minutes later, he turned provider with a perfectly timed through ball for Jaziri to finish.
In the dying moments, Youssef Msakni wasted a chance to make it five. Tunisia has now missed their past three penalty kicks in the competition after his spot-kick was deflected off the post.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
