U-17 AFCON: Mali prevails to semifinals as Tunisia suffer penalty heartbreak

Photo Credit: @CAF_Online/X

Mali and Tunisia fought hard to a 1-1 draw in their quarterfinal clash from the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations but it was the Malians who prevailed in a tense penalty shootout to secure a place in the semifinals. Substitute goalkeeper Cheick Diarra converted then saved from Tunisian custodian Slim Bouaskar to set up a semifinal duel with neighbors Burkina Faso.

For a large portion of the match, Mali looked more capable of scoring and dominated the first half. The attacking duo of Ndjicoura Bomba and Seydou Dembele continued to work magic for the Malians as Tunisia struggled to get going.

The dynamic duo combined for the opening goal in the 43rd minute. Bomba collected the ball on the left wing and floated a perfect pass to find the run of Dembele who got just enough of a touch to bounce his finish over the head of Tunisia goalkeeper Slim Bouaskar.

But the North African side regrouped at halftime and the second half was much more of an even duel. After fighting for superiority, the Tunisians snatched control of the last half hour and were rewarded with an equalizer in the 79th minute.

Forward Anisse Saidi received a throw-in on the left wing and sent in a cross that curled towards the Malian goal. Amen Touati failed to get a touch on the ball but his attempt left Mali goalkeeper Ianis Sacko frozen as the ball bounced past him and snuck inside the far post. Mali barely held on in the final minutes but managed to keep the match level ahead of the penalty kick shootout.

Like the preceding ninety minutes, the shootout was a closely fought duel. Tunisia's first attempt from Saidi crashed off the crossbar but AS Roma keeper Bouaskar came up with a big save to deny Mali on their third attempt.

Extra kicks were required and the order of takers went all the way to the goalkeepers. Substituted on just before full time, Mali goalkeeper Cheick Diarra converted his penalty before denying Bouaskar to spark celebrations for the Malians. Mali will now face West African neighbors Burkina Faso in the semifinals on April 15.