Mali secured a quarter-final place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging Tunisia 3–2 on penalties following a tense 1–1 draw on Saturday.
The Round of 16 contest was decided by spot kicks after Lassine Sinayoko’s stoppage-time penalty cancelled Firat Chaouat’s late opener.
Tunisia struck first in the 88th minute when Chaouat powered home a header from Elias Saad’s cross to spark celebrations.
Mali, however, forced extra time in dramatic fashion as Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot in the 90+6th minute.
Earlier, Tunisia suffered an injury setback as defender Dylan Bronn was forced off in the opening stages of the match.
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Mali’s task grew tougher in the 27th minute when Wayo Coulibaly was sent off for a mistimed challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.
Despite their numerical advantage, Tunisia failed to dominate before the break, with both sides heading into half-time scoreless.
After the interval, Tunisia pressed forward but were repeatedly denied by Mali’s disciplined defence and goalkeeper, Djigui Diarra.
The match was eventually settled in a penalty shoot-out, where Mali showed greater composure from the spot.
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Diarra emerged as the hero, making crucial saves as Mali converted three penalties to Tunisia’s two.
Mali will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals following the Teranga Lions’ 3–1 win over Sudan.
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