Morocco went top of Group Five after holding African champions Tunisia to a 1-1 draw in Rabat.
Although the Atlas Lions only equalised in the 89th minute through a long-range Talal El Karkouri free-kick, the result was no less than the home side deserved.
Morocco dominated much of the game, forcing the better chances, yet the Carthage Eagles took the lead against the run of play through Francileudo dos Santos in the 13th minute.
The game, which was a rerun of the 2004 Cup of Nations final, will also be remembered for the bizarre dismissal of Tunisia`s Jose Clayton in the 81st minute.
After the referee showed the defender two yellow cards but failed to dismiss him, the Tunisian tried to escape a red card through substitution.
2006 World Cup tables
Yet when Clayton walked to the Tunisia bench four minutes after being shown his second yellow, the Moroccan players protested.
It was only after the fourth official had brought the incident to the referee`s attention that
the defender was dismissed.
Morocco began the match in a manner which suggested they would avenge their Nations Cup final defeat but although forward Jaouad Zairi and Youssef Mokhtari both threatened early on, Tunisia opened the scoring.
Yet the threats on the visitors` goal continued, with Zairi proving a real handful - drawing the first of Clayton`s yellow cards after half an hour.
Early in the second half, Zairi lashed a shot against the crossbar only to see the ball bounce down and away to safety.
Minutes later, Marouane Chamakh had a golden opportunity to equalise for Morocco but failed to convert when just five yards from goal.
After susbstitute Youssef Hadji twice went close for the home side as the match neared its conclusion, it seemed the Carthage Eagles might hold on for an undeserved victory.
However, El Karkouri`s free-kick, which was deflected on its 35-yard path into the net, maintained Morocco`s unbeaten start and leaves Tunisia second in the group.
