10-man Mali beat Tunisia on penalties to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals
Ten-man Mali defied the odds to reach the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals, edging Tunisia 3-2 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw in their Round of 16 clash at the Mohammed V Sports Complex, Casablanca, on Saturday.
The match was settled from the spot after extra time, with Djigui Diarra emerging as the hero by saving two penalties before El Bilal Touré converted the decisive kick to book a last-eight meeting with Senegal.
Related Article: Senegal beat Sudan to reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals
The contest began at a frenetic pace, marked more by physicality than clear chances. Referee Abongile Tom handed out four yellow cards inside the opening 25 minutes before Mali were reduced to ten men when Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.
Despite their numerical advantage, Tunisia struggled to turn possession into clear-cut opportunities. Mali goalkeeper Diarra remained largely untroubled as the first half ended goalless.
Tunisia gradually increased the pressure after the break, forcing the first shots on target through Hannibal’s free kick and Elias Saad, both of which were saved by Diarra. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute, when Saad floated a cross into the box and Firas Chaouat, left unmarked, headed home to give Tunisia the lead.
Related Article: Osimhen, Hakimi, Salah headline star-studded AFCON 2025 Round of 16
Just as Tunisia looked set for victory, drama struck deep into stoppage time. A handball by Yassine Meriah resulted in a penalty, which Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted in the 90+7 minute to force extra time.
Neither side managed to find a winner in the additional 30 minutes, with Chaouat seeing a second goal ruled out for offside and Tunisia wasting half-chances as rain poured down in Casablanca.
The match proceeded to the first penalty shootout of AFCON 2025, where both teams traded misses. Diarra then produced a crucial save to deny Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, before Touré stepped up to send Mali through.
Related Article: Morocco cruise past Zambia to seal AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Spot
Mali had finished second in Group A behind Morocco after drawing all three group matches, while Tunisia progressed from the group stage with four points. For Tunisia, the defeat marks only their second Round of 16 exit in the last six AFCON editions.
Mali now face reigning champions Senegal in the quarter-finals, carrying momentum from one of the tournament’s most dramatic comebacks.
SportsLigue