By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 5th January 2025
Mali produced one of the most resilient performances of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, eliminating Tunisia despite playing most of the match with 10 men, securing a 3–2 penalty shootout victory after a dramatic 1–1 draw in regulation and extra time.
The result sends Mali into the AFCON quarterfinals, keeping alive their dream of a first-ever continental title.
Early Red Card Changes the Game
Mali’s task became significantly harder in the 26th minute when right-back Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for raking his studs down the calf of Hannibal Mejbri.
Reduced to ten men for more than an hour, Mali were forced into a defensive shape but showed discipline and composure, frustrating Tunisia and reaching halftime with the score level at 0–0.
Late Drama in Normal Time
As the match wore on, Tunisia began to push harder, using their numerical advantage to pin Mali back. The pressure appeared to pay off in the 88th minute when substitute Firas Chaouat headed the Carthage Eagles into the lead, seemingly sending Tunisia through.
However, the drama was far from over.
Deep into stoppage time, Mali were awarded a penalty after a handball was adjudged inside the Tunisian box. Lassine Sinayoko stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, forcing the match into extra time and silencing the Tunisian celebrations.
Penalty Shootout Heroics
With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the contest was decided by penalties.
Mali showed remarkable composure from the spot. El Bilal Touré converted the decisive penalty, while goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero, producing two crucial saves to seal a famous 3–2 shootout victory.
The result marked a huge moment for Mali, who continue their quest for a first AFCON crown.
What’s Next
Mali will now face defending champions Senegal in the quarterfinals next Friday in Tangier. Senegal booked their place in the last eight after a convincing 3–1 win over Sudan.
The clash promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the knockout stage.
