Mali progressed to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite failing to record a win in regulation time.
They edged past Tunisia 3–2 on penalties after a dramatic 1–1 draw over 120 minutes in their Round of 16 clash at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Saturday, January 3.
The narrative of the contest shifted early when Mali were reduced to ten men in the 26th minute.
Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card, forcing the Malian Eagles into a deep defensive shape for much of the encounter.
Tunisia dominated possession for the remainder of regulation, enjoying nearly 70 percent of the ball, but struggled to break down a disciplined and resilient Malian backline.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 88th minute when Tunisia appeared to have sealed qualification.
Firas Chaouat rose highest to meet a cross from Elias Saad and powered a clinical header into the bottom corner.
However, deep into stoppage time, Mali were handed a lifeline.
Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted a penalty in the 96th minute after Tunisia defender Yassine Meriah was penalised for a handball in the area, forcing the contest into extra time.
The additional 30 minutes produced few clear chances as fatigue set in, and the tie was ultimately decided by penalties in a tense shootout.
Tunisia’s Yassine Meriah scored the opening spot-kick, but Mali suffered an early setback when Yves Bissouma fired his effort over the bar.
Momentum swung decisively in Mali’s favour as goalkeeper Djigui Diarra produced two crucial saves, before El Bilal Touré stepped up to convert the winning penalty and secure a 3–2 shootout victory for the ten-man side.
Mali now advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face 2021 champions Senegal in an all–West African derby.
Remarkably, the Eagles reach the last eight without a single win, having drawn all three group-stage matches before this dramatic knockout victory.
Tunisia, meanwhile, exit the tournament in heartbreaking fashion.
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Story by Xavier Mensah | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
