Mali booked their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after defeating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties following a hard-fought draw in regulation time and extra time (1-1).

In a physically demanding battle, Tunisia were forced into an early change as defender Dylan Bronn left the pitch injured. Mali’s task became even more difficult in the 27th minute when Wayo Coulibaly was shown a red card for a poorly timed challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.

Despite their numerical advantage, Tunisia failed to impose themselves before the break, and the two sides went into half-time locked at 0-0.

Played in a vibrant atmosphere at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Tunisia returned from the interval with renewed attacking intent. However, their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by a well-organised Malian defence and an inspired Djigui Diarra in goal.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute when Firat Chaouat rose highest to head home Elias Saad’s cross, leaving Diarra with no chance. Just as Tunisia looked set for victory, drama struck in stoppage time. A handball by Yassine Meriah in the penalty area gave Mali a lifeline, and Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot in the 90+6th minute to score his third goal of the tournament and force extra time.

As had been the case for much of the match, extra time produced little in the way of clear chances, and the contest was decided by a penalty shoot-out. Mali proved more composed from the spot, converting three penalties to Tunisia’s two, with Djigui Diarra once again playing a decisive role.

Mali will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals, after the Teranga Lions secured a 3-1 victory over Sudan earlier in the day.

Post-match reactions:

Djigui Diarra (Mali), TotalEnergies Man of the Match:

“From the start of the match, we knew it was going to be difficult, especially after one of our players received a red card. We spoke among ourselves as players and the coach gave us valuable advice. The match remained tough right through to the penalty shoot-out. We worked very hard to reach this result, and when it came to penalties, all the players said it was time to qualify. Personally, I was thinking about the Malian people.”

Sami Trabelsi – Tunisia Head Coach:

“It was a difficult match. Tunisia were in control, but unfortunately after scoring, something incomprehensible happened and we made a mistake. Of course, there is great disappointment and pain after Tunisia’s elimination from the competition. A defeat remains a defeat, even if it comes via penalties. It is true that we could have qualified, as our opponents played with ten men from the end of the first half, but it did not happen.

The responsibility for the loss lies with the coach, that is certain. The players gave everything they had in a match we largely controlled, and we cannot blame them.”

Tom Saintfiet – Mali Head Coach:

“I am proud of the goalkeeper and of all the players. Before the match, I told them that they are champions. If we had played with 11 players, we might have had even more advantages. After the red card, we remained calm and adapted to the situation, because football is also played with intelligence. We prepared very well for the match against Tunisia, and the players knew exactly what they were doing.

We will face Senegal in the quarterfinals. Senegal will be the favourites, just as Morocco and Tunisia were in our previous matches. We have a clear objective, which is to remain in the competition.” (CAFonline, but headline rejigged)