Tunisian dream ends

Senegal keeper Omar Diallo saved a penalty in the second half

Group D: Senegal 0-0 Tunisia

Tunisia have had the worst possible build up for the World Cup later this year being knocked out of the Nations Cup in the group stage, without scoring a goal.

The Carthage Eagles even missed a penalty early in the second half in a match which eventually ended in a dreary goalless draw.

Senegal, who were already assured of a place in the quarter finals, had little to play for.

The dejected Tunsian team walk off the pitch

The Lions indifference was evident from the start as they took to the field with 10 changes from their previous group encounter against Zambia.

And they certainly lacked the flair of previous matches allowing Tunisia to dominate for large parts of the game.

However the North Africans will rue their lack of finishing in this match, which was coach Henri Michel's second successive Nations Cup exit in the group stage.

Tunisia had the best of the early stages with Imed Mhadhebi coming close after 23 minutes.

The striker was well set up in the box by Zoubier Beya but Mhadhebi's shot sailed narrowly over the bar.

Ten minutes later the strike duo paired up again, with Beya this time having his shot stopped by a nervous-looking Senegalese keeper, Omar Diallo.

Fortunately for the Lions Diallo shook off his nerves to keep them in the match in the second spell.

Just one minute into the half Mhedhebi was brought down in the area by Pape Diop and referee Domenico Messina had no hesitation in calling for a penalty.

But to the surprise of many in the stadium youngster Slim Benachour stepped up to take the spot kick.

His effort was hard and low but Diallo read it brilliantly moving to his left and tipping the shot around the post for a corner.

Just minutes later Diallo again denied the Tunisians as Jaidi fired in after a goal mouth scramble.

It was Tunisia's last real effort of the match and soon realised their dream was over.

Senegal now go on to play DR Congo in the quarter final in Bamako on Monday.