Tunisia's Hassen apologizes after rejecting substitution

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Thursday Jul 11, 2019. 17:00

Tunisian goalkeeper Mouez Hassen has apologized after publicly rejecting his late substitution during a clash with Ghana in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 game on Monday.

The shot-stopper initially refused to leave the pitch when he was substituted by Tunisia coach Alain Giresse with the match heading into penalties after a 1-1 extra time draw.

Hassen, who looked angered by Giresse's decision, eventually agreed to be replaced by Farouk Ben Mustapha.

"I apologize to the Tunisian fans, the coach and all players for my behavior before the penalties against Ghana," Hassen said on Ahram Online.

"My reaction was due to me being stressed throughout the match and I also wanted to be an addition in the team during the shootouts stage.'

Ben Mustapha proved to be the hero for Tunisia during the penalty shootout at the Ismailia Stadium in Egypt.

The keeper denied Ghanaian striker Caleb Ekuban in the shootout to hand Tunisia success as the Eagles of Carthage finally won 5-4 on penalties.