Tunisia's goalkeeper Mouez Hassen (L) reacts to being substituted during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Round of 16 football match between Ghana and Tunisia at the Ismailia Stadium in the Egyptian city on July 8, 2019. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
Hassen, 24, was replaced by Farouk Ben Mustapha right at the end of extra time in Monday’s last 16 clash that Tunisia won 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Ismailia.
“I want to come back on yesterday’s incident and I will start first of all by offering an apology to the coach, my teammates as well as the supporters of the national team,” Hassen tweeted, putting his “regrettable reaction” down to the “pressure of the match”.
The incident was reminiscent of this year’s English League Cup final when Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga refused to come off ahead of a shootout eventually won by Manchester City.
Hassen, however, begrudgingly made way for Ben Mustapha, whose save from Caleb Ekuban proved the difference as Tunisia prevailed to set up a meeting with surprise quarter-finalists Madagascar.
“I’m committed to having a positive attitude and cohesive spirit for the rest of my career with the Carthage Eagles,” he promised.
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