LEAD: Tunisia snatch last-gasp win against Niger

By Peter Auf der Heyde Jan 27, 2012, 19:52 GMT

Libreville, Gabon - Substitute Issam Jemaa scored in the last minute of play as Tunisia beat a gallant Niger side 2-1 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Friday.

In the Stade de l'Amitie in Libreville, Tunisia took an early lead through Youssed Msakni, but allowed Niger back in to the game through William Tonji Ngounou, before Jemaa broke Nigerien hearts with his goal in the 90th minute.

Belgian-based Maazou Ouwo Moussa said that he simply felt gutted. 'It is very hard to lose a match when you are so close. I can assure you that we will not sleep very well.

'I think we deserved to get something out of this match and to then lose in the last minute is terrible. We played so well, but in the end that means nothing.'

It took just four minutes for the North Africans to get on the score sheet as Msakni, who already scored one of the goals in Tunisia's opening game 2-1 victory against Morocco, went around several defenders en route to the Niger area.

His well-placed side-footed shot gave goalkeeper Daouda Kassaly no chance.

Tunisia then completely dominated the next 20 minutes and should really have added a second against a Niger side that had been changed in five positions after their 2-0 defeat against Gabon.

Their casual approach upfront, however, came back to haunt them as instead of stamping their authority on the game, they allowed Niger back into the match.

In the 38th minute, Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi completely missed a high cross into the area, which allowed William Tonji Ngounou a header over the goalkeeper and into the empty net.

The goal, which was Niger's first on the road during their Africa Cup of Nations campaign - including qualifying - gave the side plenty of confidence and upfront towering Maazou was a constant menace for the Tunisian defenders.

Both sides continued to go forward in the second half and the one-time champions Tunisia came close only to see the ball hit the upright and bounce back into play.

Tunisian coach Sami Trabelsi brought on Jemaa for the second half and the Auxerre striker all but guaranteed his side a place in the last eight with a last-gasp winner.

Tunisian coach Sami Trabelsi complimented his side and said they played well. 'They never gave up and in the end they got the goal. Our opponents were strong and I am happy that we got the three points,' he said.

The result sees Tunisia top group C on six points from Gabon, who take on Morocco in the later match, on three. Sudan and Morocco are yet to register their first points.