AFCON 2025: Ten-Man Mali Stun Tunisia On Penalties To Book Quarter-Final Clash With Senegal

Mali senior men’s national team sent shockwaves across West Africa on Saturday in Casablanca, Morocco, producing a remarkable display of resilience to defeat Tunisia on penalties and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

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In front of a crowd of 41,982 fans, the 10-man Malian side held Tunisia to a 1–1 draw after extra time before edging the Carthage Eagles 3–2 in the penalty shootout, sparking wild celebrations among Malian supporters.

Despite being reduced to ten men early in the contest, Mali showed immense character. Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card in the 26th minute for stamping on the ankle of a Tunisian player. VAR reviewed and upheld the referee’s decision, forcing Mali to play more than an hour with a numerical disadvantage.

Tunisia appeared to have snatched victory late in regulation time when Elias Saad delivered a lifted ball into the area in the 88th minute, which Firas Chaouat headed home to give the North Africans the lead.

However, drama followed deep into stoppage time. South African referee Tom Abongile awarded Mali a penalty after a foul in the box, and Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted in the 96th minute, sending the match into extra time and igniting the stadium.

Both sides struggled physically in the rain-soaked conditions, with fatigue evident as the match moved to penalties. Mali held their nerve from the spot, with Bilal Touré —the Beşiktaş forward on loan from Atalanta—scoring the decisive penalty after successful efforts from Diakité and Sinayoko. For Tunisia, only Meriah and Elias Saad converted, while Abdi and Achouri saw their efforts saved and Ben Slimane fired wide.

Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero of the night, earning Man of the Match honours after saving two crucial penalties in the shootout and making several vital stops during open play.

Mali’s route to the Round of 16 had been built on resilience, having drawn all three group matches— 0–0 with Comoros, 1–1 with hosts Morocco, and 1–1 against Zambia.

Tunisia, meanwhile, drew 1–1 with Tanzania, lost 3–2 to Nigeria, and edged Uganda 3–2 in the group stage.

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Historically, Mali and Tunisia have now met nine times, with each side recording three wins and three draws, producing 17 goals in total—eight for Mali and nine for Tunisia. Their AFCON meetings stand at three, with Mali winning once and the other two ending in draws. Tunisia’s biggest win over Mali remains a 4–2 friendly victory on August 10, 2011.

Mali, ranked 53rd in the world, are making their 14th AFCON appearance and are still chasing a first title. Their best finish was silver in 1972, with bronze medals in 2012 and 2013.

Tunisia, ranked 41st, are appearing for the 22nd time, having won the tournament once in 2004.

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Oluwaseun Oyediji

I am a huge advocate of Women’s football after covering the Nigeria Women Football Leagues (NWFL) since 2019. An unbiased football writer with penchant for women’s in sports and historical analysis.

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