FIRST timer, at the Africa Cup of Nations, Niger has crashed out of the 28th edition of the tournament after losing its second match to Tunisia 2-1 on Friday, but they convinced many that the fledgling team does have a bright future following an impressive outing against the north Africans, as opposed to its lacklustre opener against co-host team Gabon.

Tunisia international midfielder Korbi Khaled is one of those who sent comfort and kudos to the Mena after their elimination from the tournament.

“I really feel for them (Niger). They played a very good game against us and could have carried it off but lack of experience cost them the game,” Khaled told Goal.com in Libreville after the encounter.

“We never expected the kind of play Niger rolled out against us. They were physical, pacey and combative, almost totally different from the squad we saw against Gabon.”