AFCON 2025 (Round of 16)
Mali 1 (3) – (2) Tunisia
It was drama, tension and non-stop explosive action amid the chilly weather conditions at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca city during the second round of 16 contest between Mali and Tunisia.
Mali qualified to the quarter-finals of the on-going AFCON 2025 after ejecting Tunisia 3-2 in post-match penalties.
Normal time of this thrilling contest had ended 1-all with the additional extra time of 30 minutes also failing to find a clear cut winner.
Since the 26th minute, Mali played with a man less after red card to defender Woyo Coulibaly.
There was late drama when Tunisian substitute Firas Chaouat headed the Cathage Lions ahead in the 88th minute.
The joy was however shortlived when Lassine Sinayoko converted from 12 yards following a penalty awarded by referee Tom Abongile for a handball call.
In the shoot-out, Mali held their nerves to win 3-2 with goalkeeper Diarra Djigui the hero.
Sinayoko, Diakite Gaossou and El Bilal Toure scored for Mali whilst Yassine Meriah and Elias Saad netted for Tunisia.
Mali will face Senegal in the quarter finals.
Team Line Ups:
Mali XI: Djigui Diarra (G.K), Amadou Dante, Diaby Abdoulaye, Mahamadou Doumbia, Yves Bissouma (Captain), Lassana Coulibalu, Lassine Sinayoko, Mamadou Sangare, Aliou Dieng, Ousmane Camara, Woyo Coulibaye
Subs:Ismael Diarra Diawara (G.K), Mamadou Samassa (G.K), Hamari Traore, Nene Dorgelles, El Bilal Toure, Mohamed Camara, Fode Doucoure, Mamadou Camara, Mamadou Fofana, Mamadou Doumbia, Kamory Doumbia,, Ibrahima Sissoko, Gaoussou Diakite, Nathan Gassama Tunisia XI: Aymen Dahmen (G.K), Ali Elabdi, Montassar Omar Talbi, Dylan Daniel Mahmoud Bronn, Hazem Mastouri, Hannibal Mejbri, Ismael Seifallah Gharbi, Ferjani Sassi (Captain), Mohamed Belhadj Mahmoud, Ellyes Joris Mahmoud, Valery Yan
Subs: Noureddine Farhati (G.K), Said Bechir (G.K), Yassine Merah, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhan, Mohamed Elyes Achouri, Elias Saad, Ali Maaloul, Nader Ghandri, Firas Chaouat, Ahmed Mortadha Ben Ouanes, Naimi Sliti, Adam Arous, Sebastian Tounekti, Seifeddine Jaziri
Head coach: Sami Trabelsi (Tunisia)
Head coach: Tom Julianus Saintfiet (Belgium)
Match officials:
Head coach: Tom Abongile (Tunisia)
Assistant Referee 1: Zakhele Thusi Granville Siwela (South Africa)
Assistant Referee 2: Souru Phatsoane (Lesotho)
Fourth official: Ahmad Heeralall (Morocco)
Commissioner: Jean Kossa (Congo)
General Coordinator: Helly Zafinimanga (Madagascar)
Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Brighton Chimene (Zimbabwe)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee (AVAR): Hamza El Fariq (Morocco