Zimbabwe crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage after failing to win a single game in Gabon.

They were beaten 4-2  by Tunisia in a match they had to win to have any chance of avoiding an early exit.

Naim Sliti’s put Tunisia ahead before Youssef Msakni and Taha Khenissi extended the lead.

Knowledge Musona grabbed one back but a Wahbi Khazri penalty restored Tunisia’s three-goal cushion by the break.

Zimbabwe were outplayed in first half and found themselves three goals down as Tunisia heaped a lot of pressure to the warriors right from the start.

It started raining goals on the ninth minute,  a short corner taken by Naim Sliti was deflected by defenders beating Dynamos goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva for Tunisia’s opener.

It wasn’t long before the Eagles of Carthage had their second, Youssed Msakni punished Zimbabwe from a good interchange between him and Sliti in the penalty area that allowed him to blast his shot home.

Warriors best chance came in 34th minute when Knowledge Musona’s powerful strike forced a fine save from Rami Jeridi, as Danny Phiri headed the resulting corner over the top.

One minute later Zimbabwe found themselves three goals down, a cross from the right reached Yanisse Khenissi in the box who tip toed the ball into Mukuruva’s net.

Knowledge Musona gave Zimbabwe a consolation in the 42nd minute.His wonderful ball skills made him beat two men in the box, before unleashing a strong shot for Zimbabwe third goal of the tournament.

In a span of two minutes Tunisia restored their three-goal advantage as Wahbi Khazri converted from the spot following Costa Nhamoinesu’s shove in the box.

In the second half Tunisia dominated early stages but Zimbabwe were first to  shake the net.Second half substitute Tendai Ndoro slotted ball home after a fine run down the middle by Khama Billiat who hit a pass to Ndoro to half Tunisian’s lead.

The Warriors determined to keep the pressure on their opponents’ defence and fight a way back into the tie with Billiant and Musona terrorizing the Tunisians back line.

Khama Billiat had his effort at the hour mark going over the bar with the goalie well beaten.However, the Warriors attack failing to create any other meaningful chances despite a number of threatening attacks.

The win pushed Tunisia into second position in the group and will go on to play Burkina Faso in Gabon’s capital Libreville on Saturday.

Tunisia only needed a draw to progress to the knockout stage following their 2-1 victory over Algeria on Thursday.

Zimbabwe: Mukuruva, Nhamoinesu, Phiri, Zvirekwi, Muroiwa, Bhasera, Mushekwi, Katsande, Musona, Nakamba, Billiat

Tunisia: Jeridi, Ben Youssef, Abdennour, Msakni, Khazri, Khenissi, Maaloul, Sassi, Ben Amor, Naguez, Naim