Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Mali booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Tunisia 3–2 on penalties following a dramatic 1–1 draw on Saturday at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
The round-of-16 clash, part of the tournament being hosted by Morocco until January 18, saw Mali advance despite playing with 10 men for more than an hour. Tunisia started the match on the front foot, pressing early in search of a breakthrough, but clear chances were limited as play settled into a midfield battle.
The game turned in the 26th minute when Mali defender Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Tunisia’s Hannibal Mejbri, forcing Mali to reorganize defensively for the remainder of the match.
Tunisia appeared to have secured victory late on when Firas Chaouat scored in the 88th minute, capitalizing on sustained pressure against the numerically disadvantaged Mali side. However, Mali showed resilience and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty. Sinayoko calmly converted in the sixth minute of added time to level the score and send the match into extra time.
Neither side managed to find a decisive goal during the additional 30 minutes, setting up a penalty shootout. Mali held their nerve from the spot, winning 3–2 to seal qualification for the last eight.
Mali’s starting lineup featured Djigui Diarra in goal, with a back line of Amadou Dante, Kamara, Diaby, and Woyo Coulibaly. The midfield included Mamadou Sangaré, Aliou Dieng, and Bissouma, while the attack was led by Sinayoko, Lassana Coulibaly, and Kamory Doumbia. Tunisia started with Aymen Dahmen in goal, defended by Yan Valery, Montassar Talbi, Dylan Bronn, and Ali Abdi, with a midfield trio of Ellyes Skhiri, Ferjani Sassi, and Mohamed Ben Romdhane, and an attacking line featuring Hannibal Mejbri, Ismail Gharbi, and Hazem Mastouri.
With the victory, Mali set up a quarterfinal showdown against defending champions Senegal, who advanced after defeating Sudan 3–1. Tunisia’s campaign came to an end despite finishing second in Group C with four points, behind group leaders Nigeria.
The result marked a significant moment in the tournament, as Mali’s composure under pressure and late comeback underscored their growing reputation as one of the most resilient sides in African football.
