Hannibal unused as Tunisia fall to narrow defeat

Australia were the team to break the deadlock in a competitive first half, thanks to a brilliant header from Duke. The Socceroos’ striker adjusted brilliantly after Craig Goodwin’s cross was deflected up off the turf and glanced the ball beyond a helpless Aymen Dahmen.

Tunisia threatened the Australia defence though, with Msakni finding space in the box and shaping to shoot, only to be crowded out before he could pull the trigger.

The Eagles of Carthage pushed for an equaliser as half-time approached, but the Socceroos’ defence stood firm. With the break imminent, Tunisia arguably should have been level, but couldn’t find the back of the net.

After superb work from Issam Jebali, the ball fell to Drager in a good position, but the winger’s strike was blocked brilliantly by Souttar. Minutes later, Msakni arrived in the box to get on the end of a low cross from the right, striking wide as Australia went in with the advantage at the break.