Mali defeated Tunisia 3-2 on penalties after a pulsating encounter on Saturday night, reaching the quarter-final stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Round of 16 encounter delivered high drama as Mali were reduced to ten players midway through the first half.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, they remained organised and disciplined at the back, frustrating Tunisia for long periods. Their resistance was finally broken in the 88th minute when Chaouat found space in the box to head home the opening goal.
Just when Tunisia appeared set for victory, Mali were handed a lifeline deep into stoppage time after a handball in the area resulted in a penalty.
Mali talisman Sinayoko stepped up and calmly converted, with the Tunisian goalkeeper coming close to making the save, to force the match into extra time, where the Eagles won the shootout to set up a quarter-final date with Senegal.
🎥 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇲🇱 1(3) – (2)1 🇹🇳
Mali advance to the quarter-finals with a win over Tunisia. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/QIkKc7dNiA
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 4, 2026
