Mali produced a remarkable display of resilience on Saturday night, overcoming Tunisia on penalties to book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite playing most of the contest with ten men.
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.
Neither side was able to find a winner during the additional period, sending the tie to a tense penalty shootout.
Bissouma fired over for Mali before Abdi missed for Tunisia, while Nene struck the post to keep the contest alive. Mali goalkeeper Diarra then emerged as the hero, saving Tunisia’s final two spot-kicks to secure a dramatic victory.
After eliminating Tunisia, Mali will now turn their attention to a quarter-final showdown against Senegal.
