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Tunisia national football team
Africa Cup of Nations | Group Stage
Jan 18, 2015 at 7pm UK
 
Cape Verde national football team

1-1

Ali Mancer (70')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Heldon (78' pen.)

Live Commentary: Tunisia 1-1 Cape Verde - as it happened

Follow Sports Mole's live coverage of the Group B Africa Cup of Nations match between Tunisia and Cape Verde.
2

Cape Verde came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw with Tunisia in their opening match of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

After a closely-fought first half, Mohamed Ali Moncer opened the scoring with 20 minutes to go for the 2004 champions.

However, the lead was short-lived as Heldon won a penalty down the other end just eight minutes later, converting from the spot himself.

Read how all the action unfolded below:


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Good evening! It's the second day of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea where 2004 champions Tunisia will be getting their campaign underway again Cape Verde shortly.

TUNISIA STARTING XI: Aymen Mathlouthi, Syam Ben Youssef, Abdennour, Chikhaoui, Maaloul, Nater, Moncer, Hamza Mathlouthi, Khazri, Akaichi, Saihi

CAPE VERDE STARTING XI: Dias, Ianique Tavares, Varela, Macedo, Miranda, Ramos, Barros, Roca, Lima, Semedo, Carlos Tavares

Despite missing players through injury, Tunisia cape named an experienced starting lineup. FC Zurich midfielder Yassine Chikaoui captain's the side, while Bordeaux winger Wahbi Khazri will prove a goal threat, having scored six times in his 13 international appearances so far. Rangers' Bilel Mohsni is the only member of the Tunisia squad to play for a British club, and he starts of the bench this evening.

Since their run to the last-eight in 2013, Cape Verde have changed coach, with Portuguese Rui Aguas at the helm now. The majority of the squad members are based in Portugal, including Sporting Lisbon striker Heldon Ramos. Captain Elvis Manuel Macedo, who is also known as Babanco, is the most experienced member of the squad, with 40 caps to his name.

This match is taking place at the Nuevo Estadio de Ebebiyin, which is the smallest stadium ever to host an AFCON match. The ground, which also has an athletics track, has a capacity of just 5,000.

Equatorial Guinea has had less than two months to prepare for this tournament after stepping in as hosts after Morocco withdrew amid fears over the ongoing Ebola crisis. Ahead of this match, Tunisia coach Georges Leekens told reporters: "We have seen some strange things since arriving at our hotel, like a power cut that meant we had to eat our dinner under candlelight. It is a very sad situation and it has upset the players' concentration just before an important competition like the AFCON."

These two sides met recently when they were drawn in the same qualifying group for the 2014 World Cup. Both teams picked up away wins during their two meetings.

As the players make their way out ready for the pre-match national anthems, one player to highlight is Cape Verde midfielder Luis Carlos Almada Soares. He is one of a number of players that prefers to go by a nickname, choosing Platini in honour of UEFA president Michel Platini.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia are the other two sides in Group B. They played earlier today and shared a 1-1 draw, so a win for either side this evening would put them at the top of the group.

The referee is doing the final checks of the nets and the players are getting ready for kickoff, which should be just moments away now.

KICKOFF! Tunisia get the match underway.

OFF THE POST! There's an early free kick for Cape Verde as Kuca is tripped in the edge of the box. Babanco curls the ball in perfectly for Fernando Varela, but the defender's header is kept out by the post. What a lively start from the 2013 quarter-finalists!

Tunisia are looking a bit ragged in the opening stages of this match as they give away another careless free kick when Saihi catches Heldon with a high ball. The 2004 champions are obviously wary of being on the wrong side of an upset.

Tunisia are starting to see a little more of the ball now after a lightening-fast start from Cape Verde. Yassine Chikhaoui and Ahmed Akaachi try to get involved in the Cape Verde box, but Vozinha twice claims to ball to make sure neither get their shot away.

Tunisia win the first corner of the match, which Wahbi Khazri curls in towards Abdennour, but the defender's header is cleared by Stopira.

There's an injury concern for Cape Verde as captain Babanco is brought down with a late challenge from behind by Akaachi, and it's left the midfielder clutching his calf.

Tunisia are continuing to see the majority of the ball at the moment, and Chikhaoui tries to force a shot from the edge of the box, but he gets his touch all from, firing it well behind. Akaachi tries to play the ball back in moments later, but his cross is mis-hit and goes behind. The striker looks down at the pitch as if to blame a bobble, but the newly-laid turf looks to be in pretty reasonable condition.

BOOKING! Wahbi Khazri is booked for a rash challenge on Heldon, which leaves the Cape Verde striker clutching his shin in pain.

CHANCES! Tunisia almost catch Cape Verde out with a well-delivered free kick, which Akaachi tries to head in, but the keeper is ready for it. Cape Verde immediately go on the counter-attack, but Heldon is denied by Mathlouthi. This is developing into a really lively, open contest.

Khazri tries to get the ball back down the other end for Tunisia moments after Heldon's effort, but his strike from the edge of the box lacks power and direction, failing to trouble Josima Vozinha.

CHANCE! Cape Verde have the majority of the support in the stadium judging by the noise every time they get the ball, and they give the crowd something to cheer as Kuca tries to drive the ball in, forcing a corner when the Tunisia keeper is forced to turn it behind.

Kuca makes a superb run at the Tunisia goal looking for another shot. However, he's being closely marked so has to pull it back towards Heldon, but Syam Ben Youssef is back to make the clearance.

Tunisia are starting to show signs of impatience as they try a series of long balls forward from the back without enough players up to make the most of the delivery. Cape Verde have shown good pace on the counter-attack so far, so it could be a risky strategy for the 2004 champions.

Cape Verde are on the attack again, but they give away a free kick when Babanco clashes with Maaloul.

CHANCE! Cape Verde come close to opening the scoring as Kuca plays the ball through for Djaniny, but his shot is straight at the keeper. Mathlouthi only parries the ball, but Heldon can't reach it in time to guide the rebound in.

CHANCE! Vozinha is suddenly called into action down the other end as Saihi lifts a high-ball in towards Khazri, but the keeper bravely comes out to take it on the edge of the area.

Abdennour holds off some close marking from Heldon to get a cross in for Tunisia, but there's just one of his teammates waiting in the box, giving Vozinha an easy catch.

Djaniny quickly breaks down the other end, but it's hard to tell from his ball into the box was a shot or a cross intended for Kuca. Either way, it failed to find its target.

PENALTY APPEAL! Cape Verde want a penalty as Heldon is brought down by a foul from Maaloul, but the referee insists that it was on the edge of the box. The Cape Verde players plead for a spot kick, but the replays seem to back up the official.

CHANCE! Cape Verde have to settle for a free kick right on the edge of the box, on Babanco's delivery hits the wall, but the ball falls kindly for Kuca, but he's crowded out, forcing him to put it behind.

CHANCE! Maaloul tries to make amends for giving away the free kick down the other end by setting up Chikhaoui for a shot, but his finish is straight into the arms of the keeper.

Cape Verde win another free kick on the edge of the box as Tunisia's discipline continues to cost them. Heldon tries to curl it in this time, but his delivery is dealt with by the wall.

HALF TIME: Tunisia 0-0 Cape Verde

It's been an entertaining an very open first 45 minutes between these two sides, but neither manage to break the deadlock before the half-time whistle.

Let's take a look at some of the statistics from the first half. Tunisia had slightly more of the ball with 53%. Both sides had five shots, with just one on target for Tunisia and two for Cape Verde, plus one of the post just a couple of minutes into the match.

Discipline has been a real issue for Tunisia. They were just a few inches away from conceding a penalty shortly before half time. They made 15 fouls in the opening 45 minutes, almost twice as many as their opponent, and picked up a yellow card.

Cape Verde have plenty of fire power on their bench should they feel the need to make a change. Reims striker Odair Fortes, Julio Tavares of Dijon and CSKA Sofia winger Platini are among those that could come on in the second half.

The players are starting to make their way back out ready for the second half.

KICKOFF! Cape Verde get the action back underway.

Cape Verde are immediately on the attack, winning a corner which is delivered in towards Varela, but Abdennour puts it behind for another corner. Babanco tries to play it in for Kuca at the second time of asking, but Chikhaoui nods it clear.

Tunisia try to get involved down the other end, with Saihi looking to find Akaachi, but Babanco is brought down in the box, giving the ball back to Cape Verde.

CHANCE! Mohamed Ali Moncer tries to drive the ball in from 20 yards out, but he slips as he unleashes the shot, leaving the Cape Verde stopper with a comfortable save.

Tunisia have a corner, which is delivered by Khazri. Abdennour is caught in two minds whether to go for goal himself or head it on towards Chikaoui, and he ends up doing neither, heading it straight into the hands of Vozinha.

CHANCE! Tunisia are starting to look really threatening, and they put the keeper under pressure again as Moncer is played in by Khazri, but he slips, taking a huge chunk out of the recently-laid turf just in front of goal. That could make things interesting for the Cape Verde keeper.

CHANCE! Kuca is left with an open goal as he rounds Mathlouthi while collecting a high ball, but Syam Ben Youssef is back on the line and makes the block for Tunisia.

Tunisia are soon back down the other end and win a free kick, but Wahbi Khazri's effort fails to trouble the keeper, as it clears the wall but flies well high of the crossbar.

Carlitos is on the move for Cape Verde, but he's brought down by Khazri, who needs to be careful as he has already been booked this evening.

CROSSBAR AND DISALLOWED GOAL! Moncer curls in a freekick for Tunisia down the other end, and it falls for Chikhaoui, who heads it again the crossbar. He rushes forward for the rebound, and thinks that he's scored, but the referee blows for a foul on the keeper, much to the dismay of the Tunisia players. To be honest, it doesn't look like Vozinha was impeded that much.

Chikhaoui is really determined to get on the scoresheet now, as he skips his way back into the penalty box, rounding several defenders before his shot is deflected behind for a corner.

CHANCE! Cape Verde are really clinging on at the minute as Khazri delivers yet another free kick, this time finding Aymen Abdennour, but the defender's header is well held.

SUB! Cape Verde make the first change of the match, sending on Julio Tavares in place of Djaniny, who has tired as the second half has gone on.

GOAL! Tunisia 1-0 Cape Verde (Mohamed Ali Moncer)

Well that's been coming for some time now! Jamelle Saihi starts the move, spotting a quick run forward from Ali Maaloul, who has been playing a more attacking role in the last 10 minutes or so. The defender sees Mohamed Ali Moncer in space and crosses it in for the striker to coolly tap i from close range.

Cape Verde try to apply pressure down the other end and get a free kick as they look for a quick equaliser. Mathlouthi comes off his line to punch it clear, but he's clattered by three players, including one of his own defender, knocking the wind out of him. After a couple of moments to catch his breath though, it looks like he'll be ok to continue.

SUB! Cape Verde respond to going a goal down by sending on some extra fire power, taking off defender Emanuel Carlitos for Lille winger Ryan Mendes.

PENALTY TO CAPE VERDE! Heldon is hacked down just inside the box, giving Cape Verde a penalty.

GOAL! Tunisia 1-1 Cape Verde (Heldon)

Heldon takes the spot kick himself after being fouled by Ben Youssef in the box, and it's a flawless penalty! He hits the ball with power into the top right corner to leave the keeper with no chance, getting Cape Verde back on level terms.

Tunisia took 70 minutes to break the deadlock and now have just 10 to find a winner. They head down the other end and win a free kick in a dangerous position though.

CHANCE! Aymen Abdennour has a chance to restore Tunisia's lead as he tries to head in from Chikhaoui's free kick, but Vozinha makes a superb save.

SUBS! Tunisia make a double change, sending on Youssek Msakni and Edem Rjaibi in place of Wahbi Khazri and Ahmed Akaachi.

SUB! Cape Verde make their final change as Kuca makes way for Odair Fortes

Cape Verde haven't given up on the win as Heldon tries to play the ball through midfield, but he loses out to Nater.

SUB! It's a final change for Tunisia as well as Jamelle Saihi is going off for Houcine Ragued.

Tunisia push for a winner with Fortes trying to find Rocha with a long ball forward, but the midfielder's first touch is lacking.

There appears to be an injury for Cape Verde keeper Josimar Vozinha, who seemed to get his studs caught in the divot created by Abdennour earlier, but he's pushing through as they've already made all their changes. Meanwhile there are three minutes of stoppage time to be played.

CHANCE! Hamza Mathlouthi comes forward to take a throw for the Tunisians, and his long delivery goes almost to the penalty spot to give Chikaoui a header, but his finish is well wide.

FULL TIME: Tunisia 1-1 Cape Verde

The 2004 champions win a late free kick but Edam Rjaibi couldn't find the target, ensuring that the sides finish level. The result keep all four sides perfectly level in Group B. with both of today's games ending 1-1.

That's all from this match, but join us again tomorrow when the Group C teams get their tournament underway. Until then, thanks for joining me this evening, goodbye.

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Cape Verde's Ryan Mendes scores a goal against Angola on January 27, 2013
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Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Equatorial Guinea flag Eq Guinea32107
Q Nigeria Nigeria32107
Q Cote D'Ivoire flag Ivory Coast31023
4 Guinea-Bissau flag Guinea-Bissau30030

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Cape Verde flag Cape Verde32107
Q Egypt Egypt30303
3 Ghana flag Ghana30212
4 Mozambique flag Mozambique30212

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Senegal flag Senegal33009
Q Guinea flag Guinea31114
Q Cameroon flag Cameroon31114
4 Gambia flag Gambia30030

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Angola Angola32107
Q Burkina Faso flag Burkina Faso31114
Q Mauritania flag Mauritania31023
4 Algeria Algeria30212

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Mali flag Mali31205
Q South Africa South Africa31114
Q Namibia Namibia31114
4 Tunisia Tunisia30212

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Morocco Morocco32107
Q DR Congo flag Congo DR30303
3 Tanzania flag Tanzania30212
4 Zambia flag Zambia30212


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