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Tunisian Wahbi Khazri wrestles with Mauritanian Abdoul Ba on July 2, 2019 at Suez Stadium. REUTERS / Suhaib Salem

Tunisia, held in check by Mauritania (0-0), is qualified for the knockout stages of the CAN without really convincing. Faced with magnificent Mourabitounes of courage and will, the Carthage Eagles shook to the end before validating their ticket for the next round.

From our special envoy in Cairo,

Tunisia are qualified for the knockout stages of the CAN 2019, and that's really what you need to remember after a match where it came close to elimination, and after a very disappointing first round . We expected more from these global Eagles than a series of three draws and three points that propel them to the second round.

Mauritania did what it could. Even more for this team that discovers CAN this year. She was more enterprising, had opportunities to achieve the unthinkable feat, but the road ends there. Tunisia has been shaken by the commitment, sometimes limited, of the Mourabitounes. The Carthage Eagles were upset, especially in the first period by the impact of Mauritanians. They could never really put the ball and develop their game, abusing long balls to Khazri to get out of the pressure of the opponent.

Opposite, Mauritania, with the tumult of Diakité, the incessant climbs of Diaw, and the destruction of the duo Coulibaly-Yaly impresses and scares his opponent. She will have the best chance of the match in the 37th minute, when El Hacen penetrates the defense, eliminates his defender, but misses his duel against Hassen.

Mauritanians run, tackle, defend, and even the last defense, Souleymane, is there on a shot Msakni framed (40th)

The courage of Diarra

Giresse and his men do not find a solution. Khenessi returns to Srafi's place from the return of the locker room and gets the first opportunity with a recovery of the head that does not go far from the frame on corner. We will not see him again.

The Mourabitounes played a match to the will and the courage to the image of Diadié Diarra who broke his elbow and returned to the field to finish the match. He will only hold five minutes before being replaced by Guidileye Diallo.

A real soldier Diade Diarra, the player from Mauritania who played 8 minutes broken elbow to not leave his country in trouble. It's strong 💪🏽 # respect #mtntun pic.twitter.com/X36nvyKTvk

27 savage (@ El_numero_27) 2 July 2019

It missed this Mauritania a hint of luck and accuracy in the last transmissions to punish a Tunisia that would have deserved well. The adventure continues for the Eagles of Carthage, but it will show something else to pass the knockout stages. For Mauritania, there may be regrets, but a great pride to have given everything.

READ ► CAN 2019: Calendar, results and standings of the Africa Cup

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