Mali coach Tom Saintfiet is confident his team can overcome Tunisia in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The two sides are set to face off on Saturday at Mohammed V Sports Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
“The match will not be easy. We achieved the first step towards our goals in the tournament by qualifying from the group stage, and now things will be different in the second round,” Sintfeit said as reported by Tunisian newspaper Al-Sarih:
“Facing Tunisia will be difficult for both teams, and there is no favourite over the other. We must focus on the smallest details and play well. We have a full chance of continuing our journey in the tournament.”
Mali advanced from Group A in second place with three points, behind group leaders Morocco, who finished with seven.
The Malians recorded three consecutive draws in the group stage, against Zambia, Morocco, and Comoros.
Tunisia also secured second place in their group, Group C, with four points, following a win over Uganda, a draw with Tanzania, and a defeat to Nigeria.
