Mali have formally moved to challenge the red card shown to midfielder Amadou Haïdara as the team prepares for Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations last-16 meeting with Tunisia, with the federation hopeful that the decision can be overturned in time for the knockout clash.
The incident occurred late in the Eagles’ final group match against Comoros, which ended goalless.
In the 88th minute Haïdara was dismissed for a high challenge on Youssouf M’changama.
Although contact was made, replays suggested the 25-year-old had played the ball first, and the punishment immediately sparked debate among Mali’s staff and supporters.
The sending-off automatically rules the midfielder out of the Tunisia tie unless the sanction is rescinded.
According to journalist Micky Jnr, the Malian Football Federation, Femafoot, has now submitted an appeal to the Confederation of African Football, arguing that the decision was disproportionate.
The same report states that the referee, Aliou Mahamat of Chad, later acknowledged his error and apologised during a technical debrief with the officials’ committee, a development that has strengthened Mali’s belief that the red card could yet be cancelled.
For head coach Tom Saintfiet, the stakes could hardly be higher.
Tunisia represent a formidable obstacle in the round of 16, and Haïdara’s energy and ball-winning qualities would normally be valuable assets in a fixture expected to be played at a high tempo.
While Mali have progressed through the group stage unbeaten, the margins in knockout football are slim, and the absence of a senior midfielder could tip the balance.
Haïdara’s tournament has been a subdued one so far, reflecting a challenging first half of the season at club level.
After limited opportunities at RB Leipzig, he opted for a change in January and agreed to join RC Lens once the Africa Cup of Nations concludes.
At this tournament he has largely been used as an impact substitute rather than a starter, underlining the importance of every appearance he is afforded.
His involvement began with a brief cameo in the opening match against Zambia, which ended 1-1.
He then remained an unused substitute in the following draw with Morocco before being introduced in the 70th minute against Comoros, the very match in which he was dismissed less than 20 minutes later.
🚨 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐄
Mali have decided to appeal Amadou Haidara’s red card shown in the 88th minute of their final group game against Comoros.
Source indicate that Chadian referee Aliou Mahamat admitted the decision was a major error and apologised during a technical meeting… pic.twitter.com/lMTGz6NLln
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) January 1, 2026
That fleeting spell of action now threatens to be his last at this AFCON unless CAF rules in Mali’s favour.
The appeal places the continental body in a delicate position.
On the one hand, disciplinary committees are reluctant to overturn referees’ on-field judgments, particularly when player safety is cited.
On the other, the alleged admission of error by the official concerned adds an unusual dimension to the case.
Mali’s camp is therefore watching developments closely, knowing that a positive verdict could restore one of their options in midfield just days before a decisive encounter.
Should the appeal fail, Saintfiet will be forced to reshuffle his plans for the meeting with the Carthage Eagles, with Haïdara left to reflect on a dismissal that may yet define his tournament.
