By Dom Agbakpe

Ghana have been dumped out of the Total 2019 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) after losing 5-4 on penaties to Tunisia after the match ended 1-1 in extra-time at the Ismaili Stadium in Ismaili on Monday night.

The Tunisians started the game on a high note getting the first chance in the 9th minute through Badri but low effort from 18 yards found the safe hands of goalkeeper, Richard Ofori.

Ghana found their rhythm thereafter had their first effort in the 15th minute via defender Nuhu Adams whose header from Mubarak Wakaso’s corner strucked the upright of the post.

Thomas Partey tried his luck from outside the area but his long strike went high over the crossbar at the 24th minute.

Dede Ayew put Ghana ahead with a lovely back-heel goal just before the break from Jordan Ayew cross but was ruled out by the South African referee Victor Gomez for a handball on Thomas Partey.

The Tunisians started the second half as the first and nearly caused a problem for the Black Stars defense. But Taha Khenessi header not well directed, goes off for a goal kick.

Taha Khenessi, however, gave the Carthage Eagles the lead in the 71st minute following a sweet low cross Kechrida.

Mubarak Wakaso sent in a long low drive 12 minutes from time but Hassen Mouez went down quickly to pushed it away.

Ghana piled on more pressure on the Tunisian in the lattet stages and it paid off as Rami Bedoui directed Mubarak Wakaso’s freekick into his own net to draw the Black Stars level to take the game into extra-time.

At extra-time, both teams had chances but failed to convert them as the referee blew his whistle to end the game.

Caleb Ekuban missed his spot kick while Lumor Agbenyenu, Thomas Partey, Jordan Ayew and Mubarak converted for the Black Stars.

Wahbi Khazri, Yassine Meria, Naim Sliti, Dylan Bronn and Ferjani Sassi were all on point for the Carthage Eagles.

Tunisia will square off with Madagascar in the quarter-finals at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Thursday, July 11 at 7:00Pm.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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