DR Congo, Tunisia both advance in African Nations Cup after draw

AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

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Tunisia and DR Congo both qualified for the quarterfinals of the African Nations Cup following a 1-1 draw in their final Group B match on Monday.

Ahmed Akaichi headed Tunisia into the lead in the 31st minute from close range to put his side on the brink of qualification before Jeremy Bokila equalised in the 65th minute.

The goalless draw between Cape Verde and Zambia meant both Tunisia and DR Congo both progressed, with DR Congo edging through on number of goals scored.

With everything to play for, it was Tunisia who started the brightest in Bata.

Tunisia should have scored in the 10th minute and taken an early grip on the game, but Ferjani Sassi failed to put away a ball pulled back from the by-line, with DR Congo defender Joel Kimwaki clearing it off the line.

Wahbi Khazri then had a shot from the middle of the area saved by goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba as Tunisia enjoyed all of the early pressure.

Yassine Chikhaoui forced a brilliant save by the DR Congo keeper in the 20th minute, when Kidiaba tipped his 18-yard strike around the post.

A goal seemed to be coming and 10 minute later Tunisia took the lead thanks to Akaichi.

The striker sprung the offside trap and surged forward to head past DR Congo goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba and leave Tunisia with one foot firmly in the quarter-finals.

Tunisia came close to seeing their advantage doubled at the start of the second half as they got the ball into the back of the net in the 46th minute only for a late offside flag against striker Chikhaoui seeing the goal chalked off.

Akaichi had a weak shot on goal miss the left post from outside of the box before Dieumerci Mbokani blazed over the bar at the other end as DR Congo went in search of a lifeline.

Wahbi Khazri then wasted a golden opportunity to double Tunisia's lead when he fired over from close range.

Tunisia were left to rue their missed chances moments later after DR Congo substitute Bokila got onto the end of Mbokani's knock-down to send a low shot into the back of the net and score the goal which, as things stood, put his side through.

With Cape Verde playing Zambia at the same time in the other group match, both sides had to wait until the final whistle to learn they had both secured qualification.