Tunisia draw threatens Nigeria's World Cup dream
2009-09-07
Tunisia forced Nigeria to a draw in a nail-biting Abuja qualifier, keeping both the Carthage Eagles and the Super Eagles alive in the chase for a World Cup ticket.
By Mona Yahya for Magharebia in Tunis – 07/09/09
 [PIUS UTOMI UKPEI/AFP/Getty Images] Tunisia put Nigeria's World Cup qualifying hopes in jeopardy by holding their hosts to a 2-2 draw. |
Tunisia scored a precious 2-2 draw with Nigeria on Sunday (September 6th) in the Nigerian capital of Abuja.
Until the 90th minute of the match, Nigeria were ahead by one goal. But Oussama Darragi scored the equaliser in stoppage time, allowing Tunisia to walk away with a draw in the highly-anticipated "Battle of the Eagles".
Tunisia retained the Group 2 lead with eight points in the African Cup/World Cup qualifying series.
To qualify for the finals, Tunisia must win the remaining two matches against Kenya in the fifth round on October 10th, and Mozambique in the sixth and final round on November 14th. If they do, it will be the fifth time in Tunisia's history for the national squad to play in the finals. The Carthage Eagles made it past the qualifiers in 1978, 1998, 2002 and 2006.
Nigeria's Super Eagles, meanwhile, still have a shot at getting to South Africa for the World Cup, but only if they defeat Mozambique and Kenya, and if Tunisia falter in their remaining qualifiers.
Back home, because it is Ramadan and cafes are closed, Tunisians stayed in their houses and eagerly watched their national team score the draw, broadcast on the Tunisian national channel.
"I haven't seen the Tunisian team play that well for years," said Tarek, a technician. "That was truly a wonderful game."
Ahmed, an avid sports fan, acknowledged the Tunisian team didn't have an easy task, "especially against a team with most of its players taking part in international tournaments and having great technical potential".
The Nigerian team took the lead in the 24th minute, thanks to the goal scored by striker Peter Odemwingie.
Tunisia midfielder Nabil Taydar responded a minute later with a powerful shot that ended the first half of the match with a tying goal.
In the second half, Nigeria stepped up its offensive. Then, to add more pressure on their opponents, Nigeria coach Shaibu Amadu substituted striker Mike Eneramo, last year's top scorer for Espérance in the Tunisian championship.
Sure enough, Eneramo netted the second goal at the 80th minute, elevating Nigeria to a 2-1 lead over Tunisia. However, the Tunisian players did not despair, and they focused intensively on the attack until striker Oussama Darragi scored an equaliser.
Tunisia coach Humberto Coelho said in an August 26th news conference that "there will be much more pressure" during the match against Nigeria, "because [the Nigerian team] has to win in order to retain its chances for qualification, while an even match or a victory would boost the chances of the Tunisian team."
Tunisia had qualified for the 1977 finals at the expense of Nigeria, with a 1-0 win in the return game in Lagos, after a draw in their first match.
Email to a friend
Print version
المنصوري Posted 2009-09-07
First of all, I say congratulations to our Tunisian brothers for their result. We hope they will win the points of the two coming matches. The Tunisian team, like the Algerian, is close to qualification to South Africa.
Eng. Hasan Al-Bahkali Posted 2009-09-07
The Tunisian team has preserved its leadership of the group with two points lead over the second team. Wishes of success to go to the World Cup for the fifth time. Engineer Hasan Al Bahkali.
ghassen Posted 2009-09-08
Tunisia is still the most awesome on the African continent. Its elimination from the Africa Cup against Cameroon was just a stroke of luck for the friends of Samuel Eto'o. This time, we are really going to go after the World Cup and then, after that, we are going to get the Africa Cup in Angola. This is a promise.
bbab Posted 2009-09-10
Tunisia should have won and settled its qualification to South Africa. Anyway, thanks to members of the Tunisian national team.
lidou joker Posted 2009-09-11
Bravo Tunisians!
Tosin Ajayi Posted 2009-09-15
The facts still remain that Nigeria's hope for the 2010 worldcup is not yet dashed,if the Tunisians are overconfident of themselves the may see theirselves dropping.
MADJOU Posted 2009-09-23
With all of my heart I am behind the eleven Tunisians who just got us a draw. Oh, how they have been our saviours in getting us into the next match. I cannot wait to see Algeria, my country, and Tunisia make the qualifications and represent us with dignity in South Africa.
Toyin Posted 2009-09-24
Tunisia fans should not start rejoicing yet. They still have to beat Mozambique at home. They struggled against them in Tunis. Even Cote d Voire, Senegal and Nigeria could not defeat them at home. The good thing is that Kenya and Mozambique have something to play for in their last matches - the 3rd slot for the Nations cup. The Tunisians can only write off Nigeria at their own peril. Only when the final whistle sounds during the last match in the group would we know who is going to the World Cup - Nigeria or Tunisia. Tunisia topping the table is no guarantee they will qualify. Football is not mathematics. Super Eagles played badly against Tunisia and made them look good which is probably boosting their confidence, they will defeat Mozambique - wishful thinking for a country playing against a country dieing to go to the nations cup. For starters , Tunisian should check the record of Mozambique in the first round. They did not get to the second round by mistake.
wael ltaief Posted 2009-10-11
Long live Tunisia!
walidtayzon Posted 25 days ago
These are beautiful memories for me.
djilali Posted 16 days ago
Algeria and Tunisia.
We welcome your comments on Magharebia's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While Magharebia.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. Magharebia.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
Magharebia's Comments Policy