Mali secured a historic place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals by defeating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
The match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca appeared to be slipping away from the Malians as early as the 26th minute when Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card, forcing the Eagles to play with ten men for over 100 minutes.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali’s disciplined defensive structure frustrated a dominant Tunisian side that struggled to convert possession into clear-cut opportunities for the majority of the contest.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute when Tunisia’s Firas Chaouat rose highest to meet an Elias Saad cross, powering a header into the top corner that seemed certain to send the Carthage Eagles through. However, the drama was far from over. Six minutes into stoppage time, a handball by Yassine Meriah gifted Mali a penalty and a final lifeline. Lassine Sinayoko remained composed under immense pressure to convert from the spot, forcing the game into an exhausting period of extra time where neither side could find a winner.
The ensuing penalty shootout was a nervous affair, marked by several missed attempts from both teams. While Mali’s Yves Bissouma missed the opening kick, Tunisia failed to capitalize, with key players like Anas Achouri and Ben Romdhane unable to find the net. El Bilal Touré eventually stepped up to strike the decisive blow, clinical finishing that sealed a 3-2 shootout victory for Mali.
The result marks a stunning exit for Tunisia, who failed to exploit their man advantage, while a defiant Mali side progresses to the final eight in Morocco against all odds.
