Ten-man Mali advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tunisia 3–2 on penalties following a dramatic 1–1 draw after extra time. El Bilal Touré converted the decisive spot kick after Tunisia’s Ali Abdi fired over the bar, while Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved successive penalties from Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. The shootout capped a tense encounter that produced little action until the closing stages, with Mali surviving despite having Yves Bissouma miss the target and Nene Dorgeles strike the post. READ ALSO: Amokachi Hails DR Congo as AFCON 2025 Standout Team Mali were reduced to 10 men early in the contest when Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge on Hannibal Mejbri, leaving the Eagles to defend for over 90 minutes. Tunisia broke the deadlock in the 88th minute when Firas Chaouat headed in at the near post, but Mali forced extra time deep into stoppage time after Yassine Meriah was penalised for handball. Lassine Sinayoko converted the resulting penalty despite a touch from goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen. Chaouat thought he had scored again during extra time, but the goal was ruled out for offside, sending the match to penalties. Mali will now face defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals in Tangier on Friday.
Ten-Man Mali Edge Tunisia on Penalties to Reach AFCON Quarter-Finals
