AFCON 2025: Mali edge Tunisia on penalties to set up Senegal showdown

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AFCON 2025: Mali edge Tunisia on penalties to set up Senegal showdown

Mali defied the odds to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, beating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday.

Despite playing with 10 men for over an hour, the Eagles showed resilience in their 10th knockout-stage appearance, claiming bragging rights in the fifth AFCON meeting between the two nations, and their fourth consecutive tournament showdown.

Tunisia’s flawless record in the round of 16 came to an end, having previously won two matches at this stage.

Early Drama and Missed Chances

The Eagles of Carthage suffered an early setback when defender Dylan Bronn limped off injured in the 11th minute, replaced by Yassine Meriah. Ismaël Gharbi nearly gave Tunisia the lead moments later, his long-range strike whistling past the left post.

Mali’s task became harder in the 26th minute as Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Hannibal Mejbri. Both sides struggled to create clear chances, with Hadj Mahmoud squandering a stoppage-time opportunity for Tunisia after a Ferjani Sassi cross.

Late Drama and Extra-Time Tension

Ali Abdi almost scored directly from a corner early in the second half, forcing Djigui Diarra into a sharp save. Mali responded in the 63rd minute through substitute Dorgeles Nene, whose effort sailed over the bar.

Tunisia finally broke the deadlock in the 89th minute when Elias Saad’s clever chip found Firas Chaouat, who headed home. But Mali hit back deep into stoppage time, Sinayoko converted a penalty in the 96th minute after Meriah was penalized for handball.

Extra time brought more drama: Diarra denied Abdi with a low save, and Chaouat had a goal ruled out for offside. Ibrahima Sissoko missed a golden chance for Mali in the 122nd minute.

Shootout Heroics

In the penalty shootout, Diarra emerged as Mali’s hero, saving twice before El Bilal Touré scored the decisive kick to seal a famous win.

Mali now face Senegal who beat Sudan 3-1 and the match will take place at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier on Friday, with a semifinal spot on the line.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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