FT Tunisia 2-2 Guinea

Fans at Stade Regional Nyamirambo, Kigali were on Monday 18 treated to a four goal thriller in a group “C” opener between Tunisia and Guinea.

A brace each from Ahmed Akaichi and Alseny Camara settled the physical clash in a dramatic fashion, leaving the group wide open heading into the second match between Nigeria and Niger.

Tunisians looked dangerous from the blow of the first whistle giving the West Africans a constant headache from the right wing – Esperance forward Ahmed Akaichi neatly connected Mathlouthi Hamza’s lovely cross from the wing in the 32nd minute to give the Cathage Eagles the lead.

Akaichi who had a big influence in the game should have doubled the lead minutes later but he watched unbelievably as his close range effort hit the woodwork.

Guinea upped the ante in search of the equalizer which came five minutes to the breather – Alseny Camara drilled home from close range Aboubacar Sylla’s left cross for the leveler sending the tie in the first half break all square.

The North Africans went ahead again in the 50th just when Guinea was building the moment, after Akaichi received a long pass from the midfield catching the Luis Fernandez’s side napping at the back before cooling grabbing the first brace.

Never to be discouraged, the National Elephants fought tooth and nail to restore parity, and they did with just eight minutes to regulation time when Camara grabbed his brace as well in the 82nd minute.

Tunisia and Guinea will play again on January 22 against Nigeria and Niger respectively at the same stadium.

@bonfaceosano