Mali players celebrate after eliminating Tunisia
By Our Reporter
Disbelief literally rented the air as
Mali booked their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after defeating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties following a hard-fought draw in regulation time and extra time (1-1).
In a physically demanding battle, Tunisia were forced into an early change as defender Dylan Bronn left the pitch injured. Mali’s task became even more difficult in the 27th minute when Wayo Coulibaly was shown a red card for a poorly timed challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.
Despite their numerical advantage, Tunisia failed to impose themselves before the break, and the two sides went into half-time locked at 0-0.
Played in a vibrant atmosphere at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Tunisia returned from the interval with renewed attacking intent. However, their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by a well-organised Malian defence and an inspired Djigui Diarra in goal.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute when Firat Chaouat rose highest to head home Elias Saad’s cross, leaving Diarra with no chance. Just as Tunisia looked set for victory, drama struck in stoppage time. A handball by Yassine Meriah in the penalty area gave Mali a lifeline, and Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot in the 90+6th minute to score his third goal of the tournament and force extra time.
As had been the case for much of the match, extra time produced little in the way of clear chances, and the contest was decided by a penalty shoot-out. Mali proved more composed from the spot, converting three penalties to Tunisia’s two, with Djigui Diarra once again playing a decisive role.
Mali will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals, after the Teranga Lions secured a 3-1 victory over Sudan earlier in the day.
Credit: CAFonline
