The African Cup of Nations football (soccer) tournament, the continent's largest football competition, is underway in Tunisia. The host Tunisians scored a hard-fought win over Rwanda, 2-1, but Tunisia still has a long way to go to win the coveted title.
The Tunisians scored first when Zied Jaziri made his way past two Rwandese defenders to notch a goal in the 26th minute.
However, Rwanda was able to equalize the score only five minutes later. The host country scored the winning goal when Brazilian import Silva dos Santos put the goal in the Rwandese net in the 57th minute. Both teams finished the game with 10 players after both nations received a red card.
The tournament opened with an elaborate ceremony at the Rades stadium in Tunis, one of the six venues in five cities in which qualifiers will be played.
Fifteen countries have joined Tunisia in the 24th edition of the tournament, which will decide the African champion for the next two years. Current champion Cameroon is the favorite to win the Cup for the third time.
Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mali are also in the event. Three-time champions Ghana did not qualify for the tournament.
The competition continues through February 14, when the final will be played in Rades stadium.
