Africa Cup Of Nations | Saturday January 3 | R16
- Mali (3)1-1(2) Tunisia
Mali delivered one of the most dramatic stories of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday night, knocking out Tunisia on penalties after a tense last-16 battle in Casablanca.
Down to 10 men from the 26th minute, Mali refused to bend. They held on for 120 exhausting minutes before winning 3–2 in a penalty shoot-out, after the match ended 1–1 following extra time.
El Bilal Touré struck the winning spot-kick, sending the Eagles into the quarter-finals and ending Tunisia’s campaign.
For a long moment, it seemed Mali’s resistance would finally crack. Tunisia pressed hard and thought they had the breakthrough in the 88th minute when substitute Firas Chaouat powered in a header from Elias Saad’s cross, sparking celebrations among the largely Tunisian crowd of nearly 42,000.
Then came the twist. Deep into stoppage time, referee Abongile Tom awarded Mali a penalty after Yassine Meriah was penalised for handball.
After a VAR check, Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted in the 96th minute, dragging the match into extra time and reigniting Mali’s belief.
Heavy rain added to the sense of chaos as Tunisia struggled to finish off their tiring opponents.
Chaouat briefly thought he had won it again, but his effort was ruled offside. With no further breakthrough, the contest went to penalties.
The shoot-out was messy. Mali captain Yves Bissouma sent his effort over the bar, and Nene Dorgeles also missed.
Tunisia failed to take advantage. Ali Abdi dragged his kick wide before goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved penalties from Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.
That left Touré, who had missed a penalty at the same stadium earlier in the tournament to step up and make amends.
Mali’s challenge had been made harder early on when right-back Woyo Coulibaly was sent off for a reckless challenge on Hannibal Mejbri. Even so, they defended with grit and discipline, absorbing pressure and refusing to surrender.
“Before the game I said my team were already heroes, now there is no other word,” said coach Tom Saintfiet. “Every player fought for the country, and the goalkeeper kept us alive.”
Mali now face defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals in Tangiers next Friday, their dream of a first AFCON title still alive. Tunisia, once again, leave the tournament early, left to rue missed chances and another painful exit.
