Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero as Mali edged Tunisia 3–2 on penalties after a dramatic 1–1 draw in regulation time and extra time to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
The Round of 16 clash at a packed Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca was decided in a tense shoot-out after Lassine Sinayoko’s stoppage-time penalty cancelled out Firat Chaouat’s late header.
Tunisia and Mali battled intensely throughout the encounter, with the Eagles facing adversity early on. Tunisia were forced into a first-half substitution when defender Dylan Bronn was injured, before Mali’s task became even tougher in the 27th minute when Wayo Coulibaly was sent off for a reckless challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.
Despite playing against 10 men for more than an hour, Tunisia struggled to assert dominance before the break, and the sides went into half-time deadlocked at 0–0.
Tunisia returned with greater urgency in the second half, but their attacks were repeatedly repelled by a disciplined Malian defence and an outstanding performance from Diarra in goal.
The breakthrough finally came in the 88th minute when Chaouat powered home a header from Elias Saad’s cross, seemingly sending Tunisia through. However, deep into stoppage time, Mali were handed a lifeline after Yassine Meriah was penalised for handball in the box. Sinayoko kept his nerve, converting the spot-kick in the 90+6th minute to force extra time and score his third goal of the tournament.
Extra time yielded few clear chances, with fatigue evident on both sides, and the contest was ultimately settled by penalties. Mali showed greater composure from the spot, converting three of their attempts to Tunisia’s two, with Diarra producing decisive saves to seal qualification.
Mali will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals after the Teranga Lions defeated Sudan 3–1 earlier in the day.
Reacting after the match, Diarra, who was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, praised his teammates’ resilience.
“From the start of the match, we knew it was going to be difficult, especially after one of our players received a red card,” Diarra said. “We spoke among ourselves as players and the coach gave us valuable advice. The match remained tough right through to the penalty shoot-out. When it came to penalties, all the players said it was time to qualify. Personally, I was thinking about the Malian people.”
Tunisia head coach Sami Trabelsi expressed disappointment following his side’s elimination.
“It was a difficult match. Tunisia were in control, but unfortunately after scoring, something incomprehensible happened and we made a mistake,” Trabelsi said. “There is great disappointment and pain. A defeat remains a defeat, even if it comes via penalties. The responsibility lies with the coach.”
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet praised his players’ intelligence and discipline under pressure.
“I am proud of the goalkeeper and of all the players,” Saintfiet said. “After the red card, we remained calm and adapted to the situation, because football is also played with intelligence. Senegal will be the favourites in the quarter-finals, but we have a clear objective, which is to remain in the competition.”
With momentum on their side and Diarra in inspired form, Mali will head into the quarter-final clash against Senegal full of belief as they continue their AFCON campaign.
