AFCON – Round of 16: ten men against eleven, Mali eliminates Tunisia on penalties

Mali clinched their qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals following a tense and bruising affair with Tunisia. Reduced to ten men from the first half, Mali held their own against their opponent before winning on penalties (3-2), after a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation and extra time.

The turning point of the match came in the 26th minute. On a dangerous challenge, Woyo Coulibaly was sent off. After a VAR review, the referee confirmed the red card. Mali found themselves a man down for more than an hour of play, forced to rethink their entire organization.

Before and after this sending-off, Tunisia monopolized possession. With 73% possession, nine shots attempted and eleven corners earned, the Tunisians applied constant pressure in Mali’s half. But this domination remained largely sterile for a long time. Mali, sitting very deep, closed down spaces and limited clear chances, despite only 27% possession and four shots in total.

It was not until the 88th minute that Tunisia capitalized on their dominance. Firas Chaouat found the opening and gave the Carthage Eagles the lead, who then seemed to be on track to secure qualification.

But Mali did not give up. In stoppage time of the second half, the Malian Eagles earned a penalty. Lassine Sinayoko converted it in the 90+7th minute, snatching the equalizer and pushing the match into extra time.

The extra 30 minutes did not settle the tie. Despite their numerical superiority, the Tunisians failed to make the difference against a Mali side that remained disciplined and combative.

The decision finally came down to the penalties. More lucid, the Malians prevailed 3-2 on penalties, sealing their qualification after a match marked by resilience, defensive rigor, and the ability to stay in the match despite adversity.

Reduced to ten very early, outplayed for long spells and trailing on the scoreboard, Mali found the resources to survive, come back and win. A qualification built in difficulty, which leaves strong lessons for the rest of the tournament.