By Simon Asare
Tangier, Dec. 28, GNA – Nigeria booked their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after surviving a late scare to beat Tunisia 3-2 in a pulsating Group C clash on Saturday.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring with a powerful header from an Ademola Lookman cross as the Super Eagles dominated the first half.
After the break, Lookman doubled the lead, and captain Wilfried Ndidi added a third goal, seemingly sealing the victory.
Tunisia, who managed only two shots on target all game, struck back through Montassar Talbi’s header with 15 minutes left.
Ali Abdi pulled another goal back from Tunisia, having converted from the penalty spot, but Nigeria held on to secure all three points.
The win ensures Nigeria’s progression to the Round of 16, while Tunisia need at least a draw against Tanzania in their final group match.
Uganda, Tanzania share spoils
Uganda and Tanzania shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the other Group C encounter.
Simon Msuva fired Tanzania ahead from the spot on the hour mark after Baba Alhassan handled in the box. Uganda hit back through Uche Ikpeazu, who converted Denis Omedi’s cross 10 minutes from time.
The Cranes squandered a golden chance for victory in stoppage time when Allan Okello blasted a penalty over the bar after Haji Mnoga fouled James Bogere.
Both sides remain in contention but face uphill tasks against Nigeria and Tunisia.
Senegal held by DR Congo as Benin make history
Senegal were frustrated in Tangier, held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo despite dominating early exchanges.
Cédric Bakambu tapped in after Edouard Mendy parried Théo Bongonda’s strike in the 62nd minute. Sadio Mané equalised seven minutes later, finishing calmly after substitute Ibrahim Mbaye’s effort was saved.
The result leaves both sides on course for the knockout stage.
Elsewhere in Group D, Benin claimed their first-ever AFCON win with a 1-0 victory over Botswana in Rabat. Yohan Roche’s deflected strike in the 28th minute proved decisive in a scrappy contest.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade