AFCON: Mali hero Djigui Diarra reveals how red card inspired qualification

Mali national team goalkeeper Djigui Diarra revealed how being reduced to 10-men earlier in the first fuelled their ambitions to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the expense of Tunisia on Saturday.

The Eagles booked their place in the last eight after defeating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties following a hard-fought draw 1-1 result in regulation and extra time.

After a 0-0 first half, Tunisia broke the deadlock when Firat Chaouat rose highest to head home Elias Saad’s cross, leaving Diarra with no chance.

However, a handball by defender 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. During the spot kicks, Djigui Diarra, who plays for Young Africans in Tanzania proved the hero after he saved two, while one went over the bar.

‘I was thinking about Malian people’

“From the start of the match, we knew it was going to be difficult, especially after one of our players received a red card. We spoke among ourselves as players and the coach gave us valuable advice,” he told CAF Media.

“The match remained tough right through to the penalty shoot-out. We worked very hard to reach this result, and when it came to penalties, all the players said it was time to qualify. Personally, I was thinking about the Malian people.”

Mali will now face Senegal in the quarterfinals, after the Lions of Teranga secured a 3-1 victory over Sudan earlier in the day.