By Arfang M.S. Camara
The Gambia have made a historic qualification into the next round of their maiden Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tunisia 1-0 during their final group stage match yesterday, Thursday at the Limbe Omisports Stadium.
Substitute Ablie Jallow scored the only goal of the match for the Scorpions in the 90+3 minute of the second half, leaving Gambians into a wild celebration after the final whistle.
Scorpion’s goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye made a fine save to Seifeddine Jaziri’s penalty after the Mexican referee awarded a penalty to the Tunisians in the 45 minute.
Debutants, The Gambia could have earlier taken the lead Musa Barrow made a strong 25-yard free-kick which struck the bar.
The victory maintained the Gambia’s fine start to life in their maiden Afcon tournament, while the defeat left the Tunisians in a possibility of qualifying into the round of 16 stage.
The Scorpions have made history after playing their entire three group stages undefeated. They won two (against Mauritania and Tunisia) and drew one against Mali.
The Gambia made a slow start to the game against Tunisia knowing fully well that they have nothing to lose after already qualifying into the next stage of the tournament even before the encounter yesterday.
The Gambia now progressed into the knockout stage of the tournament in style with 7 points, leveling with Mali who now finished top in the group.
The Gambia who finished as runners up in Group F will now face Guinea in the round of 16 knockout stage.