Tunisia beat Zimbabwe to reach African Nations Cup quarterfinals

GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images

---

Tunisia eased into the quarterfinals of the African Nations Cup with a 4-2 win over Zimbabwe.

Needing only a draw to seal their qualification as Group B runners-up, Tunisia stormed 3-0 in front in 36 minutes and led 4-1 at half-time.

Zimbabwe salvaged some pride with a second goal but Tunisia's progression was never under any threat.

The opening goal came in the ninth minute when a corner was sent directly to Naim Sliti 20 yards out and his deflected shot beat Zimbabwe keeper Tatenda Mkuruva.

Youssef Msakni doubled the lead in the 22nd minute, firing home low after a one-two with Sliti, and Yassine Khenissi added the third with a sliding near-post finish after being played in by Hamdi Naguez.

Zimbabwe claimed an eye-catching consolation goal just before half-time when Knowledge Musona juggled past two defenders and hammered home.

But if they -- and Algeria, who needed Tunisia to lose if they were to progress -- had any hopes of a turnaround, they were quickly dashed as Costa Nhamoinesu shoved Khenissi in the penalty area. The forward may have handled the ball beforehand, but the penalty was awarded and Wahbi Khazri's shot found its way under Mkuruva.

Zimbabwe pulled another goal back just before the hour when the impressive Musona set half-time substitute Tendai Ndoro free on an overlapping run and he took a touch and beat Rami Jridi.

Mkuruva saved from Khenissi, who headed a follow-up effort against the post.

Msakni was also denied by the keeper but Tunisia's work was done and they advance to face Group A winners Burkina Faso.