Late strikes save Tunisia, South Africa

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January 24, 2008 06:24 IST

Two impressive long-range shots in the final minutes gave Tunisia and South Africa draws in their opening African Nations Cup Group D games in Tamale on Wednesday.

Mejdi Traoui fired in a 30-metre drive under Tony Sylva's crossbar seven minutes from time to give 2004 champions Tunisia a 2-2 draw against Senegal.

Later on Wednesday, substitute Elrio van Heerden netted with a superb, curling shot from 22 metres with two minutes remaining to give 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa a 1-1 draw with Angola at the Tamale Sports Stadium.

Senegal appeared to be cruising to victory when Diomansy Kamara put them in front in the 66th minute following a free kick from the right.

But with six minutes left, the ball fell to Traoui, who scored with a shot which flew into the top right hand corner.

Tunisia had opened the scoring through forward Issam Jomaa on nine minutes with Moustapha Bayal Sall equalising on the stroke of halftime.

Tunisia's coach Roger Lemerre walked out of the post-match media conference as Senegalese journalists fought amongst themselves, causing bedlam in the interview room.

In the following game, Manucho headed Angola in front on the half hour.

Fielding an experimental team in their bid to give younger players more experience for 2010, South Africa had the ball in the net shortly before their equaliser but a goal was disallowed for offside.

Angola goalkeeper Lama denied South Africa an injury-time winner when he parried a shot from outside the area.

The tournament returns to Accra's Ohene Djan stadium on Thursday when hosts Ghana take on Namibia and Morocco play Guinea.

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