AFCON 2025: Ten-Man Mali Shock Tunisia in Dramatic Penalty Shootout Triumph
3 min read
By Sedara Philip
Mali produced one of the most courageous performances of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, overcoming Tunisia on penalties despite playing more than an hour with ten men to book their place in the quarterfinals on Saturday night at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
The Round of 16 encounter ended 1-1 after extra time, but it was Les Aigles who held their nerve in the ensuing shootout, with El Bilal Touré converting the decisive kick to seal a famous victory and bring Saturday’s AFCON action to a thrilling close.
Both sides approached the contest with caution, resulting in a tightly contested opening period marked more by physical battles than clear-cut chances.
Mali’s task became significantly harder before the half-hour mark when right-back Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge that saw him stamp on the ankle of Tunisia midfielder Hannibal Mejbri.
Down to ten men, Mali regrouped admirably and showed remarkable discipline and resilience. Tunisia, despite their numerical advantage and tournament experience, struggled to impose themselves offensively.
The Carthage Eagles dominated possession and earned several set-piece opportunities but lacked the creativity and cutting edge to trouble Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
Mali, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the counter-attack, showing intent and belief despite their disadvantage. However, clear chances remained scarce as the match drifted towards a goalless conclusion.
The deadlock was finally broken in dramatic fashion in the 89th minute when Tunisia found inspiration at last. Elias Saad delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left flank, and substitute Firas Chaouat rose highest at the far post to glance a header beyond Diarra, seemingly sending Tunisia into the quarterfinals.
But Mali refused to surrender. Deep into stoppage time, a free-kick delivery into the Tunisian penalty area struck the arm of defender Yassine Meriah, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Lassine Sinayoko stepped up and, despite a hesitant effort that slipped under the dive of goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen, converted to force extra time and spark wild celebrations among the Malian faithful.
Extra time saw Mali continue to play with heart and intensity, pushing forward whenever possible.
Tunisia thought they had regained the lead when Chaouat finished from another cross, but celebrations were cut short as the effort was correctly ruled out for offside.
With no further goals, the contest was settled by penalties. Meriah opened the shootout successfully for Tunisia, but the tide soon turned as Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero.
Yves Bissouma and Ali Abdi both blazed their efforts over the crossbar, while Diarra made a crucial save to deny Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane during the decisive fifth round.
That save handed El Bilal Touré the opportunity to win it, and the forward made no mistake, calmly dispatching his spot kick to complete a stunning victory for Mali.
The triumph sends Mali into the quarterfinals, where they will face fellow West African giants Senegal on January 9 in Tangier.
Senegal booked their place earlier on Saturday after defeating Sudan, setting up an enticing regional showdown for a place in the semifinals.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
