Mali, with ten players, benefited from some fortunate moments to overcome Tunisia 3-2 in penalties, advancing to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
El Bilal Toure converted the crucial penalty after Ali Abdi shot over the bar, while Eagles keeper Djigui Diarra stopped Tunisia’s fourth and fifth attempts from Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.
Following a match with minimal action until the end, the penalty shootout was dramatic as Mali’s captain Yves Bissouma shot over, while his teammate Nene Dorgeles struck the post with his attempt.
The West Africans played with one fewer player for over 90 minutes after Woyo Coulibaly received a straight red card for striking Hannibal Mejbri on the Achilles with his cleats.
With two minutes left in regulation, Tunisia took the lead when Firas Chaouat’s header slipped into the right-hand post, but Mali received a penalty in stoppage time after Yassine Meriah was called for handball.
Lassine Sinayoko’s soft penalty was sufficient to slip by Carthage Eagles goalie Aymen Dahmen, who managed to touch the ball, and push the match into extra time.
Chaouat believed he scored to make it 2-1 early in the second extra time period, but the goal was disallowed for offside against his teammate Abdi, and the match ultimately progressed to a penalty shootout.
Mali will head north to Tangier to encounter 2021 titleholders Senegal, who earlier defeated Sudan, in the quarterfinals on Friday (16:00 GMT).
Both teams were unconvincing in the group stage, as Mali placed second in Group A by drawing all three matches, while Tunisia’s victory against Uganda in their tournament debut was their only win in Group C.
Referee Abongile Tom adopted a tough stance early in a highly competitive match in Casablanca, issuing yellow cards to four players before the first half was halfway complete.
The South African official promptly showed a red card in the 26th minute when right-back Coulibaly recklessly tackled Mejbri from behind about 15 yards into the Tunisia half.
The right-back lingered on his way off the pitch, likely wishing for a delay from the video assistant referee (VAR) that was not forthcoming, and his departure caused the West Africans to settle into a tight defensive formation.
Tunisia seldom appeared close to penetrating their rivals, even with control of the ball, and the initial shot on goal arrived in the 79th minute when Mejbri’s free kick from nearly 30 yards nearly caught Diarra off guard.
Substitute forward Chaouat appeared to secure victory, finding the net late by sneaking in behind Mali’s center-backs to finish Elias Saad’s soaring cross, but Tunisia’s celebration was brief as a free kick struck Meriah’s arm, allowing Sinayoko to equalize from the penalty spot.
The crucial moment in extra time occurred when Chaouat nudged Abdi’s cross into the net in the 106th minute, but the left-back had been caught offside while reacting to a low shot from Ellyes Skhiri that Diarra could only deflect.
The penalty shootout, conducted in pouring rain with enthusiastic coaches soaked on the sidelines, was an exhilarating event, and Diarra’s pair of saves was vital in shifting momentum after Mali was behind 2-1 after three rounds.
Besiktas striker Toure missed a penalty in the first half of Mali’s first match against Zambia on 22 December but demonstrated poise by faking out Dahmen before tearing off his shirt, igniting celebrations for the Eagles.
Mali have not showcased the complete prowess of their undeniably skilled team in their matches in Morocco, advancing to the quarter-finals without securing a win.
After receiving red cards in their last two matches, Eagles coach Tom Saintfiet will require his team to enhance their discipline when they face a Senegal squad that has scored 10 goals in this tournament.
Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi will have to consider his team’s inability to take advantage of their player superiority.
The Carthage Eagles failed to advance beyond the group stage at the 2023 Afcon, but their round of 16 elimination in Morocco signifies that the North Africans have managed just one semi-final showing since winning the title in 2004.
