Tunisia limp out of Africa Cup of Nations after goalless draw with South Africa

The North Africans had a late chance to snatch victory and survive, but substitute Haythem Jouini headed a cross well over the crossbar.

Tunisia became the second top 10-ranked nation after Algeria to be eliminated after the opening round.

Mali won Group E after a 0-0 draw with Namibia, and both qualified for the knockout stage along with second-placed South Africa.

Read more AFCON: The full fixtures and tables

Tunisia dropped veteran captain and forward Youssef Msakni after he made little impact in a loss to Namibia and draw with Mali. Defender Yassine Meriah took over as skipper.

After a four-goal hammering of Namibia, South Africa retained the same starting line-up, which included eight players from Mamelodi Sundowns, the dominant domestic club.

The early stages were cagey and scrappy in the 36 degrees Celsius (97 Fahrenheit) heat of northern Ivory Coast, with Tunisia having more possession, but not using it effectively.

Tunisia squandered three half-chances midway through the half as Ellyes Skhiri blazed over, Anis Ben Slimane overhit a free-kick and Elias Achouri headed wide.

Group E ✅

Group-stage is over for group E and this is how teams stand