Tunisia thrashed hapless ten man Niger 5-0, in a show of might and class in a group “C” match played this evening at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo, Kigali. The North Africans are through to the quarterfinals as the group leaders.

In another group “C” encounter staged at Umuganda Stadium, Gisenyi, Guinea pulled a shocker by beating favorites Nigeria 1-0 to kick the Super Eagles out of the tournament.

The Carthage Eagles went ahead as early as the fourth minute through Saad BGuir setting the ball rolling for an evening of nothing but a goal fest.

The Esperance forward grabbed a brace in the 38th from Ahmed Akaichi assist, as the Coach Hatem Missaoui’s went to the breather tails up.

Niger’s Youssouf Oumarou Alio received his marching orders in the 73rd minute for a second punishable offense, handing Tunisia the numerical advantage, which they gladly took full advantage of.

Akaichi continued with the scoring in the 77th minute after rounding up Niger keeper Oumarou Soumaila Ayouba, giving the Tunisians the third goal, and in the process grabbing his fourth goal of the championship. Mohammed Ben Amor scored the fourth in the 80th minute before substitute Essifi Hichem sealed the rout in the added minutes of the second half with the fifth.

Tunisia and Guinea will know their quarterfinals opponents tomorrow after the conclusion of group “D” matches, pitting Zambia vs Mali and Zimbabwe vs Uganda.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com