Tunisia win African Nations Cup

Tunisia 2 Morocco 1

Tunisia lifted the African Nations Cup for the first time in their history when they beat Morocco 2-1 in the final in Rades today.

Ziad Jaziri’s goal early in the second half after a bad mistake by Morocco goalkeeper Khalid Fouhami settled the match in favour of the tournament hosts.

Earlier Morocco’s Youssouf Mokhtari had equalised following an early goal for Tunisia by Brazilian-born Francileudo Santos.

The final whistle was greeted by ecstatic scenes at the Stade Rades with many Tunisian players kissing the soil in the Muslim tradition.

The result was a personal triumph for Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre, who led France to Euro 2000 glory – and was assistant coach when they won the 1998 World Cup on home soil – but was sacked after the 2002 World Cup.

Earlier Bolton’s Jay-Jay Okocha was named player of the tournament. The Nigeria midfielder received his award at half-time during the final.

Nigeria were eliminated in the semi-finals by Tunisia.