Mali produced a heroic performance as they battled with ten men, rode intense pressure, and still eliminated Tunisia to reach the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
The Eagles defended stubbornly, and eventually triumphed 3-2 on penalties after a chaotic and breathless contest.
The match crawled through long periods of caution, but exploded into drama late on as tension wrapped Casablanca. Mali lost Woyo Coulibaly mid-way through the first half to a straight red card, and therefore they spent more than ninety minutes fighting with reduced numbers.
Still, Tunisia could not punish them quickly enough, even though they controlled possession and pushed relentlessly for openings throughout the evening. However, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th as Firas Chaouat headed in near the closing stages to through the Tunisians into wild celebration.
Mali refused to accept defeat though, because VAR action awarded them a stoppage-time penalty and Lassine Sinayoko squeezed home the equaliser. The game then drifted into extra time with hearts racing and rain crashing down.
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Diarra’s penalty heroics seal dramatic victory as Mali book heavyweight clash with Senegal
Tunisia thought they had scored again in extra time, yet the flag ruled Chaouat’s effort offside and frustration deepened quickly. With no further breakthrough, the match went to penalties, and chaos returned as both sides each missed two of their first four kicks.
Mali captain Yves Bissouma blazed over, Nene Dorgeles struck the post, and Tunisia briefly sensed control in the storm. But Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra turned into the hero, saving two crucial kicks.
El Bilal Toure then stepped forward with ice in his veins, sent the keeper the wrong way, and sealed an unforgettable qualification moment. Celebrations erupted because Mali had done the impossible, despite discipline concerns and another game ending with a red card.
Now, they march into a fierce quarter-final showdown against Senegal, knowing improvement is essential but confidence is finally breathing. Tunisia, meanwhile, leave with deep regret, because despite their advantage, they simply failed to finish the job.
Tags: Mali, Tunisia, Eagles, Carthage Eagles, Djigui Diarra, Yves Bissouma, Firas Chaouat, #AFCON2025, #MLITUN, Lassine Sinayoko, Nene Dorgeles.
