Thomas Partey played the full regulation time plus extra time but could not rescue the Black Stars from being bundled out on penalties by the Carthage Eagles.
In one of the most dramatic games of Egypt 2019, Ghana grabbed a late, late equalizer through a Tunisian own goal to take the match to extra time and then penalties. But it was ultimately not enough as the Carthage Eagles held their nerves to convert all their spot kicks.
Ghana were arguably the better team overall, with Partey and Deportivo Alaves Mubarak Wakaso dominating the midfield battle. Tunisia however drew first blood through a sweet strike from Yassine Khenissi in the 73rd minute.
Bigger things were expected from a Ghanaian side that had never lost to the Carthage Eagles in 7 Afcon matches, winning six of them. But Kwesi Appiah’s side had Rami Bedoui to thank for the leveller, the defender turning the ball into his own net two minutes after coming off the bench.
The tie stayed at 1-1 draw after extra-time, forcing the encounter into penalties, which ultimately ended 5-4 in favour of the Carthage Eagles after Caleb Ekuban missed his kick.
The defeat has dashed Ghana’s hopes of winning a fifth continental title, prolonging their wait for the trophy to what will be 39 years at Cameroon 2021.
