Mali reaches AFCON 2025 quarterfinals without winning a game

In a dramatic game decided by penalties, Mali beats Tunisia.

Mali Stuns Tunisia in AFCON 2025 Penalty Thriller

In a match defined by extraordinary resilience and late-game drama, Mali secured a spot in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals after defeating Tunisia in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. The Round of 16 clash at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of grueling football, with Mali eventually prevailing 3-2 on penalties

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A Game of Two Halves and One Red Card

The narrative of the match shifted early when Mali was reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute. Woyo Coulibaly received a straight red card, forcing the Malian Eagles into a deeply defensive posture. Tunisia dominated possession (nearly 70%) for the remainder of regulation but struggled to dismantle a disciplined Malian backline.

Stoppage Time Chaos

The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute. Tunisia’s Firas Chaouat rose highest to meet a cross from Elias Saad, powering a clinical header into the bottom corner. With only minutes remaining, the Carthage Eagles appeared to have punched their ticket to the next round.

However, the drama was far from over. In the 92nd minute, a handball by Tunisia’s Yassine Meriah gifted Mali a lifeline. After a tense VAR review, Lassine Sinayoko stepped up in the 96th minute and coolly converted the penalty, sending the game into extra time.

The Decisive Shootout

After a scoreless extra period where both teams looked exhausted, the match went to penalties. The shootout was a rollercoaster:

Tunisia’s Yassine Meriah scored the opener, but Mali’s Yves Bissouma blazed his effort over the bar.
Momentum swung back as Mali's goalkeeper, Djigui Diarra, made two crucial saves.
El Bilal Touré ultimately scored the winning penalty, sealing a 3-2 victory for the 10-man Malian side.

Mali moves on to the quarter-finals, having shown incredible heart, while Tunisia exits the tournament in heartbreaking fashion.