Javier Balboa was the hero for Equatorial Guinea as his curling extra-time free-kick sealed their place in the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup with a dramatic 2-1 win over Tunisia.
Balboa had sent the match into extra time after he scored a controversial penalty, which was awarded to the tournament hosts in the last minute of normal time after Ivan Bolado appeared to have dived in the box.
The amazing turnaround came after Ahmed Akaichi broke the deadlock in the 70th minute to put Tunisia 1-0 up and they looked on course to qualify until the biggest drama came as hosts were awarded a controversial penalty in the last minute.
Bolado dribbled into the area and fell under a nothing challenge from Ali Maaloul, and the referee did not hesitate in pointing to the spot.
Balboa stepped up to take the spot kick, and Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi, with lasers shining in his eyes courtesy of the partisan home crowd, dived the wrong way as the game went into extra time.
The Estoril striker then broke Tunisian hearts when he launched a curling free-kick from 25 yards, which put his side ahead for the first time in the match.
Ovono denied Maaloul from a free-kick from similar range in the second period of extra time, then went down injured again as the tension increased further.
The referee lost control of the match as scuffles broke out between the two benches, but then quickly blew the final whistle to confirm Equatorial Guinea’s progression to the final four.
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