Mali booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Tunisia 3-2 in post-match penalties following a 1-1 draw in regular time.
In a drama filled game, Tunisia were forced into an early change as defender Dylan Bronn left the pitch barely 20 minutes into the game with Mali’s task becoming even more difficult in the 27th minute when Wayo Coulibaly was shown a red card for a challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.
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Despite the first half ending goalless, Tunisia returned from the interval with renewed attacking intent. But the Malian defence, inspired by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, stood the test of time.
They were however breached two minutes from normal time when Firat Chaouat rose highest to head home Elias Saad’s cross. But when Tunisia felt they had done enough to win the game, Mali were handed a penalty in stoppage time when handball by Yassine Meriah in the penalty area gave them a lifeline.
Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot in the 90+6th minute to score his third goal of the tournament and force extra time.
With no team getting the better of the other in extra time, the game went to the penalties where Diarra saved two penalties to earn the Man of the Match Award.
With the win, Mali will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals, after the Teranga Lions secured a 3-1 victory over Sudan earlier in the day.
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