Tunisia secured their place in the knockout stages of the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 win over Niger in Kigali on Tuesday.
With all four teams in Group C still in contention ahead of the final round of fixtures, the Carthage Eagles knew that victory would be essential to avoid a shock elimination. They responded with a commanding display that showcased both attacking flair and defensive solidity.
The star of the evening was Espérance de Tunis midfielder **Saad Bguir**, who had been under scrutiny for below-par performances earlier in the tournament. He silenced his critics with two first-half goals, opening the scoring before adding a second just before the break.
After the restart, Tunisia’s top scorer **Ahmed Akaichi** extended the lead with his fourth goal of the competition, underlining his reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the tournament. Midfielder **Mohamed Ali Ben Amor** then got on the scoresheet, before substitute **Hichem Essifi** rounded off the victory late on.
The comprehensive result sent Tunisia to the top of Group C with five points, edging Guinea on goal difference. Niger, who finished bottom with just one point, offered little resistance and were overpowered from start to finish.
In the group’s other decisive match, Guinea stunned Nigeria with a 1-0 victory, eliminating the Super Eagles, who only needed a draw to advance.
The Carthage Eagles, buoyed by their dominant win, will now head into the quarter-finals full of confidence, with Akaichi and the rejuvenated Bguir looking key to their ambitions.
