Mali Triumphs Over Tunisia in AFCON Quarter-Final Showdown

Mali has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tunisia in a penalty shootout on Saturday night, following a 1-1 draw in both regulation and extra time.

The Eagles entered the match with high hopes of securing a positive result against the Carthage Eagles, who, despite their talented squad, had not demonstrated strong performances throughout the tournament.

Tunisia initiated the game with an attempt in the 13th minute from Ismael Gharbi, who found himself in a promising position but failed to convert.

Things took a turn for the worse for Mali in the 26th minute when right-back Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, with the referee’s decision requiring no VAR review.

Despite being a man down, Mali continued to create dangerous opportunities, prompting Tunisia to adopt a more cautious strategy.

After halftime, the 2003 champions sought to push for a goal, yet the Tunisian defense held firm, maintaining their tactical organization.

In the 60th minute, former Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri appeared to have been fouled in the box; however, after a VAR review, referee Abongile Tom issued a booking for simulation.

Mali’s goalkeeper, Djigui Diarra, linked with South African giants Kaizer Chiefs last year, made a crucial save in the 79th minute to deny Mejbri, followed by another impressive stop against Elias Saad moments later.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute when Firas Chaouat headed in a cross from Saad, leaving the goalkeeper stranded.

In stoppage time, Yassine Meriah handled the ball in the danger zone from a free-kick he caused, providing Mali with a lifeline. Lassine Sinayoko successfully converted the penalty, sending the match into extra time.

With Tunisia enjoying the numerical advantage, Mali adopted a defensive strategy, looking to counterattack effectively.

Diarra continued to shine, denying Ali Abdi in the 98th minute after his defenders failed to clear, and once again stopped Yassine Meriah in the 103rd minute, parrying the ball to safety.

Tunisia thought they had scored again in the 107th minute when Firas Chaouat tapped in a low cross, but the goal was ruled offside.

The second half of extra time ended without goals, leading to a penalty shootout.

Yassine Meriah took the first penalty for Tunisia, scoring with a powerful shot into the roof of the net. However, Mali’s captain Yves Bissouma missed, sending the ball soaring over the crossbar and giving Tunisia an early advantage.

In a surprising turn, Tunisian player Ali Abdi also failed to score, relieving pressure on Bissouma.

Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko leveled the shootout, putting pressure back on Tunisia, who responded positively with a successful kick from Elias Saad.

Malian forward Dorgeles Nene hit the post, but a crucial save from Diarra against Elias Achouri kept the scores level.

Mali regained the advantage when Gaossou Diakite converted his penalty, followed by a miss from Mohamed Ben Romdhane.

El Bilal Toure then scored the decisive penalty, securing a 3-2 victory in the shootout for Mali.

As the Carthage Eagles crash out, Mali progresses with aspirations of going all the way. They will face Senegal in the quarter-finals on January 9 in Tangier, following Senegal’s earlier 3-1 victory over Sudan.