Tunisia scored twice in the second half to beat tournaments favourites Algeria 2-1 in a Group B,Africa Cup of Nations match on Thursday in Franceville.

It is the Carthage Eagles who went ahead when Fouzi Ghoulam directed a left wing cross delivered by Youssef Maskini before Naim Sliti calmly dispatched penalty after Wahbi Khazri was brought down by Fouzia Ghoulam.

Algeria pulled a goal back from second half substitute Sofiane Hanni with a nice shot from the edge of the area.

The Algeria started the game as the favourites ,getting their first chance minutes after the start when Slimani nearly  put his side on the lead when he held the ball up expertly on the halfway line, then tucked a through pass towards Mahrez before Ben Youssef came up and did well to get across and snuff out the danger.

Tunisia also came closer to registering a goal in first half but luck was not on their side.A soft free kick taken close to the area presented Khazri with a crossing opportunity with Abdennour putting Asselah under pressure, but he was penalised for roughing up the Algeria keeper.

The match went at half time with Algeria having missed several opportunities to be on the lead.

Tunisia  efforts were finnally rewarded from a throw in the 52nd minute when Sassi lifted the ball beyond the defence to Msakni, whose cross from the left was deflected off Mandi’s boot, and beyond of Asselah for the first goal.

Algeria struggled to find their rythm but their defence was not at its best,as they gifted the Tunisians with second goal when Ghoulam sent underpowered header back towards his goal and then fouled Kahzri who nipped ahead of him to collect the ball and bear down a goal.Sliti confidently slotted the penalty home.

From two goals down it seemed highly unlikely  that Algeria do fight back with Ghoulam off.However they raised the tempo of the match with Mahrez coming close , sending a shot that went few centimeters away from the goal mounth.

Desert Warriors had another chance in the 84th minute when Mathlouthi collected a corner but his delivery was nicely collected by Tunisia keeper.

However,Algeria snatched a consolation in stoppage time when Guedioura’s cut back bobbles all the way to Hanni, 12 yards out, who rifleed the ball into the top corner.

The result now means Algeria will have to rely on other results to determine their chances of qualifying to the quarter finals.