Tounekti delivers Haiti blow in World Cup warm-up
Sebastian Tounekti scored his first goal in nine outings for Tunisia [Getty Images] Celtic winger Sebastian Tounekti spoiled Haiti's preparations for their World Cup opener with Scotland by scoring Tunisia's winning goal in their friendly in Toronto. Tounekti slotted the only goal of the game past goalkeeper Alexandre Pierre from the edge of the penalty box after a fine, defence-splitting pass from Ismaël Gharbi, the midfielder on loan to Augsburg from Braga, after only seven minutes. The 23-year-old Celtic winger had a chance to add to his first-ever goal for his country seven minutes later but fired over from 15 yards.
Philadelphia Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques had Haiti's best chance shortly after, but his effort from close range was blocked at the near post by goalkeeper Sabri Ben Hessen. Sayfallah Ltaief was denied by a near-post block from Haiti's Pierre after the break, while fellow forward substitute Hazem Nazon prodded over when through on goal. However, Tunisia had to survive intense late pressure before Haiti's frustration was exacerbated when Jean Jacques was sent off for a second yellow card three minutes into stoppage time.
It was only Haiti's second defeat in seven outings. Sebastien Migne's side next warm-up friendly is against Iceland, again at BMO Field in Toronto, on Tuesday, with Tunisia continuing their World Cup preparations against hosts Canada at the same venue the following day.