10-Man Mali stun Tunisia to reach AFCON quarter-finals

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Mali booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Tunisia, overcoming a red card to claim a 3-2 win on penalties following a 1–1 draw.

Playing most of the contest with 10 men, the Malians showed remarkable resilience to knock out Tunisia in a pulsating round-of-16 encounter that stretched deep into the night.

Mali’s task was made harder midway through the first half when Woyo Coulibaly was sent off for a reckless challenge, leaving the Eagles to battle a technically superior Tunisian side with a numerical disadvantage.

Despite that setback, Mali remained disciplined, soaking up pressure and limiting Tunisia to half-chances.

Tunisia eventually broke the deadlock late in regulation time through Firas Chaouat, who headed home from close range to put the North Africans ahead and seemingly on course for the quarter-finals. But Mali refused to surrender.

Deep into stoppage time, a VAR review awarded Mali a crucial penalty for handball. Lassine Sinayoko stepped up under immense pressure and calmly converted to level the score at 1–1, sending the match into extra time and reigniting Malian belief.

Extra time produced plenty of tension but no goals, although Tunisia thought they had snatched a winner before VAR ruled it out for offside. With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the contest was decided from the penalty spot.

Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero in the shootout, producing decisive saves as Tunisia faltered. Mali kept their nerve, converting enough spot-kicks to seal a famous victory with the final kick of the contest.

The result means Mali advance to the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations, while Tunisia exit the tournament despite dominating possession and playing with an extra man for over an hour.