Hosts Equatorial Guinea qualify for AFCON semis

Hosts Equatorial Guinea late Saturday made history by qualifying for the semifinals at the on-going Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

It was the first time they made it to the last four after reaching the quarters in 2012. They came from a goal down to beat Tunisia 2-1 at the Bata Stadium.

A 90th minute penalty converted by Javier Angel Balboa leveled matters for the hosts before he netted a free-kick winner in extra time. He curved the ball past the wall to beat Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi.

The 2014 champions Tunisia started the game well but failed to score in the first half. Attempts by Ferjani Sassi and Ahmed Akaichi missed the target. On return, coach Georges Leeken's team pushed into Equatorial Guinea's half and put defenders under lots of pressure.

Later Hamza Mathlouthi provided a perfect cross and Akaichi made no mistake scoring in the 71st minute. He gave the Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Felipe Ovono no chance when he slotted a low shot. Tunisia continued to dominate and create more chances.

Equatorial Guinea should have leveled matters in the 83rd minute when skipper Emilio Nsue broke free but his shot was blocked by Mathlouthi.

The moment of truth came on 90 minutes when Ivan Edu Salvador went down in the box after Mathouthi's challenge. Balboa stepped forward and converted. He was fouled later in extra time and won a free kick that he capitalized to make it 2-1.

Tunisia had four players of Houcine Ragued, Mohamed Ali Yaacoubi, Ahmed Akaichi Amine Chermiti cautioned, while Equatorial Guinea's Iban Travieso was also booked. Endi