Tunisia’s penalty curse struck again as defeat by The Gambia left the Carthage Eagles with a daunting last 16 Africa Cup of Nations tie against Nigeria.
Baboucarr Gaye saved Seifeddine Jaziri’s penalty as Tunisia missed from the spot for the third successive game.
The Gambia capitalised as Musa Barrow’s 25-yard free-kick struck the bar before Ablie Jallow hit an injury-time winner.
The result means Tunisia finish third in Group F while debutants The Gambia, in second, will face Guinea.
Both countries began the game in Limbe knowing that they were already sure of progressing because of results elsewhere.
However, Tunisia knew anything other than victory would likely mean a meeting with Nigeria – the only team with a 100% record at the tournament – in the first round of the knock-out stages.
So, despite a Covid outbreak that left coach Mondher Kebaier only able to name five substitutes with 12 players unavailable, it was no shock the 2004 champions were the more positive side throughout.
