Chaos at AFCON group decider as substitute goalkeeper sent off as brawl erupts

An Africa Cup of Nations group decider between Tunisia and Gambia descended into chaos today after both sides got into a brawl at the end of the first half.

The handbags spilled over into the tunnel, but not before the referee sent off Farouk Ben Mustapha, Tunisia's reserve goalkeeper – who wasn't even playing at the time.

A win for either side would guarantee qualification to the knockout stages, though Gambia could afford to squeeze through with a draw as they were a point ahead of their opponents.

The game itself had a bit of everything – a penalty miss, a bizarre red card, and a dramatic 93rd minute winner courtesy of Gambia winger Ablie Jallow.

It was very much a case of smash and grab, as Tunisia had a whopping 70% of the ball on the night.

The North African's missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring after 43 minutes when Pa Modou Jagne fouled Seifeddine Jaziri in his own area.

Jaziri took on the spot-kick but his poor shot was parried by Gambian goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye, who lunged low to his right.

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Tempers flared minutes later and Tunisia's sub keeper was sent off for violent conduct.

The remaining 45 minutes were fairly muted, until Jallow struck with what was effectively the last kick of the game to secure his nation's place in the knockout stages of the tournament for the very first time.

Gambia will face Guinea in the round of the 16 in four days' time, and victory will see them play the winner of Cameroon and Comoros in the quarter-finals.

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