Tunisia-Mexico (1978) : Africa’s First Victory At World Cup

June 2, 1978 will be a day to remember by many African football lovers. Tunisia Africa’s lone representative at the World Cup competition beat Mexico 3-1 at a World Cup match at Rosario Stadium in Argentina. That was the first time an African team won a match at the World Cup. Midfielder Tarak Dhiab, now a successful businessman was the architect of that historic victory. 
At that time, many did not believe an African team could win a match at the World Cup talk less of scoring a goal. Tunisia stunned the world with their historic victory. Before going to the competition, the Tunisian players did not expect a victory given the dismal performance of Zaire in the previous edition and they felt they will suffer the same fate. Tunisia started that game rather disappointingly, as Vasquez Ayala converted a Mexican penalty at the end of the first half. Scottish referee John Ball gave the penalty after Amar Jebali handled the ball. Mexico's opening goal could have been a fatal blow, but Dhiab says it strengthened their resolve not to be disgraced. The instructions they received from their coach Chetali during half time played the trick for the Tunisians. The fact that the three goals were scored by defenders gave the Tunisians a lot of confidence for th...