While this last day of the 1st round of the CAN gave rise to countless calculations to know the qualified teams, for Tunisia, the equation is simple: victory or exit.

Opposite, South Africa only needs a draw to reach the round of 16.

The Carthage Eagles therefore try to take the game into their own hands at the start of the match, but come up against a South African defense that is logically well in place.

On a good offensive, Ben Slimane is caught by Mudau (23rd), Achouri then gets the first opportunity of the match, but his header does not find the target (26th).

Bafana Bafana try to respond with the inevitable Tau, but Makgopa cannot regain his center (27th).

Morena tries her luck from afar, but comes close to the corner of the Tunisian goal (32nd).

Then Mvala crosses a header which goes just wide (38th). 

And that's about all the spectators had to get their teeth into in the first period.

There were very few spectators at the Korhogo stadium, even if the doors opened after half an hour to let people in.

These Ivorian spectators naturally rallied behind the South Africans, whose victory could qualify the Elephants.

When the stakes take precedence over the game

When we return from the locker room, it's the same scenario: South Africa is playing not to lose, and even if Tunisia has to win, they definitely don't want to be exposed.

This therefore results in a very closed match, even locked down by Bafana Bafana.

There are mistakes, commitment, retention of the ball but no play and even fewer chances.

Despite several changes to try to bring fresh blood - and rhythm - to the field, the Tunisians are unable to do so.

And in the last quarter of an hour, as is often the case in these decisive matches of recent days, everyone wakes up.

Particularly the South Africans, with Sithole, who made one of the only shots on target of the match (76th), then Mokoena (77th) and Makgopa (80th).

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The Tunisians try to have a little more intention at the very end of the match, but it's too late.

Neither Jouini nor the numerous off-target shots attempted at the end of the match did anything.

The Eagles of Carthage are leaving this CAN as they went through it, without any reaction and in anonymity.

With this result, South Africa is qualified for the eighth, without forcing but without much conviction either.

Read alsoThe classification of group E

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