In a thrilling encounter at Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca, Mali secured a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Tunisia despite being reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute. The match ended 1-1 after extra time, with Tunisia initially taking the lead through Firas Chaouat’s 88th-minute header.
Mali’s hopes appeared dashed following Amadou Haidara’s early sending off, but Lassine Sinayoko scored a stoppage-time penalty to level the game and push it into extra time. In the shootout, Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero, saving two penalties to clinch the win.
Mali will now face Senegal in the quarterfinals, who recently defeated Sudan 3-1.
This marks the first time since 2013 that Mali has reached the AFCON quarter-finals in two consecutive editions. Additionally, Mali remains unbeaten against Tunisia in AFCON history, with two wins and three draws.
By: Andrews Addotey
