Tunisia will battle Algeria for gold at the FIFA Arab Cup after semi-final victories packed full of passion, tension and late, late drama.
The Eagles of Carthage prevailed in the 95th minute, scoring with almost the last touch of a last-four duel with Egypt that had looked to be heading inexorably towards extra time.
In the second of the day’s semis, Algeria looked to be heading for a deserved and fairly routine 1-0 win of their own against hosts Qatar until Mohammed Muntari popped up in the 97th minute to send home a thundering headed equaliser.
But the delays and VAR check that followed extended stoppage time yet further and, fully 17 minutes after the clock hit 90, Mohammed Belaili notched the winner on the rebound after his initial penalty had been saved.
It made for an incredible conclusion to a truly remarkable day of action and set a high bar for Saturday’s final act.
The final will not be one to miss as two footballing powerhouses in an all African affair in the final of the FIFA Arab Cup.
