Cape Verde, Tunisia in one-all draw

Cape Verde came from behind to hold Tunisia to a 1-1 draw in their Group B clash at the Estadio de Ebebiyin in Ebebiyin.

Both goals came in the second half with Tunisia scoring through Mohamed Ali Moncef and Cape Verde courtesy playmaker Heldon Ramos.

A first half dominated by Cape Verde but they failed to make the chances count.

As early as the second minute, the Carthage Eagles survived a scare from the Blue Sharks after Jorge Semedo’s header kissed the post with Aymen Mathlouti completely beaten.

Tunisia responded but Cape Verde goalie Josimar Dias forced a diving save from Ahmed Akaichi’s header following a cross from the right.

The remainder of the half belonged to the Islanders as they gave the Tunisians so much cause to worry. Playmaker Heldon invaded the Tunisian half but Semedo failed to bury the supplies.

On the half-hour mark, Heldon fetched Semedo on a one-two, but the latter’s feeble shot was no trouble for Mathlouti who saved with his feet.

Five minutes later, it was Semedo again at the centre of attraction with a cheeky lob that missed target narrowly to the relief of the Tunisians, who also had some moments of dominance in the course of the opening half.

The second half resumed on a balanced note but it was Cape Verde who threatened first on 55 minutes. Jailton Miranda was put through and shot past Mathlouti for what going to be the opener until Syam Ben Youssef cleared the ball off the line to his side’s relief.

The Carthage Eagles lifted up their game and gradually made inroads into the Islanders halve. Their efforts were finally rewarded on 70 minutes when Ali Moncer connected in a cross from his CS Sfaxien club-mate, Ali Maaloul for the opener.

Cape Verde were awarded a penalty on 76 minutes after Heldon was brought down by Ben Youssef. The Sporting Lisbon forward elected himself for the spot kick which he shot past Mathluouti for the equalizer.

All four teams in Group B have a point each.

Orange Man of the Match Heldon Ramos (Cape Verde)

Samsung Fair Player of the Match Elvis Manuel Macedo (Cape Verde)