The fourth day of the African Cup of Nations witnessed an even score line for the first time, as two thumping goals salvaged draws for Tunisia and South Africa against Senegal and Angola respectively. Man of the day: South Africa's Elrio Van Heerden played for just 19 minutes, but his impact on the 1-1 draw with Angola was enough to earn him 'Man of the Match' tag. The Club Brugge midfielder salvaged a late draw for Bafana Bafana with an absolute screamer, following the trend of long-range bullets in the competition so far. The 24-year-old graduated from the football academy of Denmark's FC Copenhagen, after which he was promoted to the first team in 2004, helping them to clinch the Danish Superliga title. Goal of the day: Group C witnessed some crackers in the opening day, Tunisia's Mejdi Traoui hit a superb long-range effort, Manucho's terrific header from 12 yards out for Angola was also class, but Van Heerden has to win it after his wonder strike. The little South African collected the ball with his back to goal, before unleashing a wonderful left-footed drive right into the top corner. Moment of the day: Mamadou Niang's miss from point-blank range saw the Tunisians breathe a sigh of relief as the Marseille hitman does not miss from there. Disappointment of the day: The Tunisian defense was quite sumptuous to their opponents on Wednesday, two gifted goals from defense partners Radhi Jaidi and Radouane Falhi cost the Eagles of Carthage two points against Senegal in the 2-2 draw.
What the Papers Said The Tunisians seemed relieved with the late draw against the Lions of Teranga, daily newspaper Al-Sabah read: 'We survived a killer defeat', but also insisted the team has 'no option but to beat South Africa'. As for the Senegalese, who failed to preserve their lead, it was ''Regrets, and nothing but regrets'' for Le Soleil newspaper. Sud Quotidian also stated: ''Lions squander three points'', adding that the draw is like a victory for the opposition. As for the other game, Elrio Van Heerden dictated the headlines in South Africa after his late equalizer, which was sheer brilliant. ''Super Van is the man'' reported The Star, which credited the substitute as the one who 'kept Bafana hopes alive'. Independent Online posted: 'Van Heerden helps South Africa players save face'.
