Senegal booked their quarter-final berth with a comfortable 2-0 win over Zimbabwe ©Getty Images

Senegal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with victory over Zimbabwe as Algeria were left on the brink of a shock early exit by Tunisia at the Stade de Franceville in Gabon.

The Senegalese side made light work of Zimbabwe with a 2-0 win to guarantee a spot in the last eight.

It came after Tunisia clinched a 2-1 victory against North African rivals Algeria in the day's opening Group B clash.

Senegal knew victory over Zimbabwe would be enough to qualify and they effectively killed the game as a contest with two goals in the first 15 minutes.

Sadio Mane broke the deadlock from close range in the ninth minute before Henri Saivet's well-executed free-kick from distance gave them a comfortable cushion.

They then saw out their second win of the tournament with ease to ensure they continued to live up to their billing as one of the favourites to lift the Africa Cup of Nations title for the first time in their history.

In today's earlier game, an own goal from Algeria defender Aissa Mandi five minutes after the break gave Tunisia the lead and they doubled their advantage shortly after through a Naim Sliti penalty.

Sofiane Hanni gave the Algerians, one of the pre-tournament favourites, late hope as his strike in added time halved the deficit.

Naim Sliti's second-half penalty had given Tunisia a 2-0 lead ©Getty Images
Naim Sliti's second-half penalty had given Tunisia a 2-0 lead ©Getty Images

But they were not able to find an equaliser as Tunisia held on for a win which gives their chances of reaching the quarter-finals a significant boost.

Following a dour opening half in the North African derby, Tunisia edged ahead just after the restart as Mandi inadvertently diverted Youssef Msakni’s cross into his own net.

Poor defending was to cost the Algerians again after 66 minutes as Faouzi Ghoulam’s attempted header back to his goalkeeper was too short.

Wahbi Khazri managed to beat Ghoulam to the ball and the Algerian could only haul the attacking midfielder down in the area, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.

Sliti duly converted to hand Tunisia a 2-0 lead with only a quarter of the contest remaining.

Algeria, who drew 2-2 with Zimbabwe in their opener, pulled a goal back thanks to Hanni’s curling effort in the 91st minute but it proved to be little more than a consolation.

Tunisia have moved into second place in the group, behind Senegal, with Algeria now struggling on one point from their opening two matches.