Tunisia first into last eight as Rwanda get point

TUNISIA became the first side to qualify for the African Nations Cup quarter-finals with a controversial 3-0 win over Democratic Republic of Congo yesterday as debutants Rwanda scored their first point.

Brazilian-born Francileudo dos Santos scored twice and Najeh Braham once to send Tunisia into the last eight against a Congo side who had captain Lomana LuaLua sent off in the first half of the Group A tie at Rades.

Tiny Rwanda scored a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time at the end of the group’s other game to force a 1-1 draw with Guinea in Bizerte.

Rwanda, playing in the finals for the first time, also have a chance to qualify for the last eight, but will have to win against the Congolese in their last group game on Sunday and hope Guinea are beaten by Tunisia that same day. Congo, however, were eliminated after yesterday’s defeat.