đź”— Share this article The Super Eagles Book Afcon Knockout Spot Despite Late Tunisia Fightback Former Continent's Best Player of the Year the Napoli star was instrumental in his team build a 3-0 lead, but they were forced to defend resolutely for a hard-fought win. The three-time champions survived a dramatic comeback attempt from their opponents to progress to the knockout stage of the Afcon tournament being held in Morocco. Jose Peseiro's side seemed to be in complete control in their Group C encounter in Fes, enjoying a 3-0 lead with only 17 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman. Yet, a Tunisian defender reduced the deficit with a close-range finish from a Hannibal Mejbri free-kick, sparking hopes of a recovery. The drama escalated when Tunisia were awarded a late penalty after a VAR check spotted a handball by the Nigerian defender. The left-back calmly slotted home in the dying stages to create a frantic finale. The Carthage Eagles were inches away from a last-gasp leveler in added time, with captain Ferjani Sassi heading a chance narrowly wide before Ismael Gharbi guided a half-volley wide of the goal frame. Securing Top Spot This result ensures that the Super Eagles, winners of the tournament on three past instances, advance to six group points and are assured top spot in Group C with one game left to play. For the round of 16, they will meet a third-placed team from either the other preliminary groups. Meanwhile, the 2004 champions remain on 3 points, with Uganda and Tanzania locked on one point each after registering a 1-1 stalemate in the day's other fixture. The concluding group fixtures will see the group leaders stay in Fes to play Uganda on Tuesday, while the Eagles of Carthage travel back to the capital to confront Tanzania. A Nervy Conclusion The Tunisian defender drilled the ball from the penalty spot to give his team hope of earning a point. The Super Eagles, finalists in the 2023 tournament, become the next team after the Pharaohs to reach the knockout stage, but their manager and fans will certainly be feeling relieved. What seemed set to be a straightforward final quarter transformed into a tense affair. The prolific striker had a goal ruled out for an infringement before breaking the deadlock on the stroke of the interval, precisely placing a glancing effort into the bottom corner from an Ademola Lookman cross. The lead was doubled soon in the second period when Wilfred Ndidi rose highest to power home a powerful nod from a set-piece corner. The number 9 then set up Lookman for the third goal, before the defender to direct a powerful header past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to begin the comeback. The pivotal moment came when a high ball hit the arm of the full-back, with referee Boubou Traore awarding a penalty after consulting the VAR monitor. Although the defender's confident conversion, Tunisia in the end came up just short of pulling off a stirring comeback. Tunisia's destiny is still in their own hands; a draw against Tanzania will be enough to secure progression, and their coach will be eager to prevent a recurrence of the 2013 group-stage exit that resulted in his departure.