Tunisia held by Angola in Africa Cup of Nations

Angola earned a point against mighty Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations as Djalma cancelled out Youssef Msakni’s first-half penalty.

The 32-year-old fired home on the rebound after goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha failed to hold on to Mateus’ goal-bound effort.

Msakni had given Tunisia the lead from the spot 11 minutes before half-time.

The Eagles of Carthage, who finished top of their qualifying group, looked to the inspiration of Whabi Khazri who led the attack alongside Youssef Msakni and Naim Sliti.

Tunisia enjoyed a majority of the possession from the onset, although they struggled to penetrate an organised Angolan defence.

The Tunisians were eventually awarded a penalty on 32 minutes after Sliti was brought down in the box, which allowed Mskani to convert from 12-yards out.

Angola grew in to the game as the first half progressed, but they found it tough to break down the Tunisian defence in the final third and went in to the break trailing by the solitary goal.

After a relatively quiet start to the second stanza, Angola were gifted the equaliser in the 73rd minute when Tunisia goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha’s handling error allowed Djalma to slot home from six-yards out.

Tunisia nearly restored their lead with eight minutes remaining in the half, but Khazri’s low curling effort sailed just wide of the upright.

Both sides pushed for a winning goal in the latter parts of the half, but neither could carve out a opening as the spoils were shared.