AFCON: 10-man Mali stun Tunisia in penalty shootout

Despite a red card inside the opening thirty minutes, a spectacular performance saw Mali overcome Tunisia in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 16 clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to close out Saturday’s action at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco. El Bilal Touré converted the winning spot kick in a dramatic and well earned victory for Les Aigles.

Both teams emerged with cautious mentalities and there were few opportunities throughout the match. A physical clash ensued but it was the Malians who sabotaged their chances in the early stages when right back Woyo Coulibaly arrived too late for a challenge and stomped on the ankle of Hannibal Mejbri, resulting in a red card before the half hour mark.

But Tunisia, an experienced team that lacks attacking firepower, failed to assert themselves against a motivated opponent. In match that featured very few shots on target, the West Africans managed to be threatening at times on the counter-attack while their opponents failed to take advantage of numerous set pieces.

However, the North Africans found a moment inspiration in the 89th minute. Elias Saad received the ball on the left wing and floated up a clever cross to the far post where substitute striker Firas Chaouat leaped up to flick his header into the corner past a stunned Djigui Diarra in the Malian goal.

Just when it appeared that the Tunisians were off to the quarterfinals, Malian hopes were quickly revived when a free kick service into the penalty area went off the arm of defender Yassine Meriah. Sinayoko’s resulting spot kick was not the most convincing but rolled under diving goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen to send the match into extra time.

More spirited play from Mali continued after ninety minutes but the stalemate continued, requiring penalty kicks to determine a winner. Chaouat appeared to put the North Africans back into the lead but was correctly ruled offside after finishing from a cross.

In the shootout, Meriah put the North Africans ahead before consecutive spot kicks were rocketed over the crossbar by Yves Bissouma and then Ali Abdi. After more unconvincing attempts, the decisive moment came when Diarra denied Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane during the fifth set of spot kicks, allowing Touré to finish the job in a stunning victory for the Malians.

Mali advance to the quarterfinals where they will face another West African side, Senegal, on January 9 in Tangier after the Lions of Teranga overcame Sudan earlier on Saturday.