A late Harry Kane headed goal for England in their opening Group G match against Tunisia at the Volgograd Arena, rubber-stamped a poor start for African teams at the World Cup in Russia.

Harry Kane opened the scores for England with a routine tap in from a rebound which Tunisian keeper Hassen saved but he suffered a shoulder injury in the process and the men in whites were forced to make an early change, Ben Mustapha coming on in his replace.

Tunisia came fighting back against England looking to get that first African goal at the 2018 World Cup after fellow representatives Nigeria, Egypt and Morocco all suffered defeats in the opening matches.

The Carthage Eagles were rewarded with a penalty in the 35th minute. A cross from the right was heaved towards their striker Ben Youssef and Kyle Walker ‘inadvertently’ swung his elbow onto the face of the Tunisian forward.

Ferjani Sassi converted from the spot. Pickford guess right and dived but his fingertips weren’t enough to stop the net from bulging. Tunisia were level and were buoyant from there going forward.

The second half saw the Three Lions put all the pressure, the Tunisian side sitting back to soak the pressure and frustrated Gareth Southgate’s men.

Heading for a valuable point, you could almost hear the Tunisian hearts breaking as Harry Kane popped up from the far post and headed in a goal in injury time to keep Africa waiting for a first win in Russia.

All eyes now on Senegal as they take on Poland tomorrow at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow with kick off set for 18:00 EAT.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer