Tunisia scores late to beat Zambia 2-1 at African Cup

Posted January 21, 2015 10:00 pm

The Associated Press

Tunisiaâs goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi, right, is challenged by Zambiaâs Emmanuel Mayuka, left, during their African Cup of Nations Group B soccer match in Ebibeyin, Equatorial Guinea, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) The Associated Press

EBEBIYIN, Equatorial Guinea (AP) - Yasine Chikhaoui scored a late goal to give Tunisia a 2-1 win over Zambia at the African Cup of Nations on Thursday.

Chikhaoui headed in a cross from Youssef Msakni in the 89th minute to give the Tunisians four points in Group B. Zambia, which has not won a match at the tournament since winning the title in 2012, has one point.

Emmanuel Mayuka gave Zambia the lead in the 59th, smashing in a cross from captain Rainford Kalaba. But Ahmed Akaichi equalized with a header in the 70th following a flicked-on corner.

Tunisia's first goal came as Zambia was playing with 10 men because of an injury to Mayuka.

The Zambians came close several times in the first half, with Kalaba and Mayuka linking up well. After Mayuka finally scored, he did back-flips in celebration.

In the 67th, Kalaba again sent a cross for Mayuka, but the Zambia forward was injured as he slid to reach the ball. He was soon taken off the field on a stretcher, and Tunisia equalized before he was replaced by Jackson Mwanza.

Zambia has struggled since winning the 2012 African Cup. The team drew all three of its group matches at the 2013 tournament and was eliminated. This year, the Zambians have taken the lead in both matches, but they drew 1-1 with Congo in their opening match before losing on Thursday.

Tunisia will play its final group match against Congo on Monday in Bata, while Zambia will take on Cape Verde in Ebebiyin.

Tunisiaâs Youssef Msakni, left, wins header against against Zambiaâs Kondwani Mtonga, during the African Cup of Nations Group B soccer match between Tunisia and Zambia in Ebibeyin, Equatorial Guinea, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) The Associated Press

A young boy runs next to a woman selling food outside the stadium during the African Cup of Nations Group B soccer match between Tunisia and Zambia in Ebibeyin, Equatorial Guinea, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) The Associated Press

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