Mali produced a heroic display to knock out Tunisia and book a place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, overcoming a numerical disadvantage, a late equaliser and extra time before prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout.
The Eagles were reduced to 10 men as early as the 26th minute when Wayo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Hannibal Mejbri’s ankle.
Despite being a man down for nearly 75 minutes, Mali defended resolutely as Tunisia dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Tunisia eventually broke the resistance in the 87th minute when Firat Chaouat slipped away from his markers to head home Elias Saad’s cross, a goal that appeared to have settled the contest in the North Africans’ favour.
However, late drama followed as a handball by Yassine Meriah inside the penalty area gave Mali a lifeline deep into stoppage time.
Lassine Sinayoko kept his composure to convert the resulting penalty in the 90+6th minute, forcing the match into extra time.
The 10-man Malian side held firm through the additional 30 minutes, taking the contest to penalties where they emerged 3-2 winners.
Sinayoko, Gaoussou Diakite and El Bilal Touré converted from the spot, while Nene Dorgeles and Yves Bissouma missed. Tunisia were unable to fully capitalise as Mali’s goalkeeper played a key role in the shootout.
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet praised his players’ character and discipline after the match. “I am proud of the goalkeeper and of all the players. Before the match, I told them that they are champions. If we had played with 11 players, we might have had even more advantages,” he said.
“After the red card, we remained calm and adapted to the situation, because football is also played with intelligence. We prepared very well for the match against Tunisia, and the players knew exactly what they were doing,” Saintfiet added, while also looking ahead to the next challenge.
“We will face Senegal in the quarterfinals. Senegal will be the favourites, just as Morocco and Tunisia were in our previous matches. We have a clear objective, which is to remain in the competition.”
The defeat marks another painful chapter for Tunisia, who are still searching for their first Africa Cup of Nations title since lifting the trophy on home soil in 2004.
Mali, who have never won the AFCON, will carry renewed belief into a West African derby against 2019 champions Senegal in the quarterfinals as they continue their bid for a historic run in the tournament.