Tunisia were held to a 0-0 draw by Mauritania in their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) Group E match at the Suez Stadium Tuesday night.
The stalemate saw the Carthage Eagles advance to the Round of 16 as runners-up, while the Lions of Chinguetti crashed out of the tournament after finishing fourth in the group.
The Lions of Chinguetti threatened first through Ismael Diakhite, as Mauritania looked to grab a surprise lead against the 2004 Afcon champions.
The US Tataouine forward’s right-footed shot was saved by Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassen four minutes into the encounter.
Mauritania were forced to make a change in the 17th minute after Abdoul Ba went down injured and he was replaced by Diadie Diarra.
The Carthage Eagles grew into the game towards the half-hour mark, but they could not keep their shots on target.
Wahbi Khazri and Oussama Haddadi both missed the target – failing to seriously test Brahim Souleymane in the Lions of Chinguetti goal-posts.
However, Souleymane was called into action in the 40th minute and he made a good save to deny Ellyes Skhiri to ensure that the first half ended with the two teams locked at 0-0.
Esperance de Tunis forward Taha Yassine Khenissi, who is one of the most prolific strikers on the African continent, was introduced by Tunisia at the beginning of the second half.
Khenissi had a chance to break the deadlock just before the hour-mark, but the lanky striker failed to keep his header on target.
The Carthage Eagles came close to snatching a late winning goal in the 78th minute following a good move by Alain Giresse’s men.
Khazri played a low cross into the Mauritania box and Youssef M’sakni fired straight at Souleymane, who made a good low save.
Tunisia launched late attacks in search of a late goal, but Mauritania contained the North Africans and ultimately the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
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