Ten-man Mali rode their luck to reach the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Tunisia 3-2 on penalties in Casablanca on Sunday.
El Bilal Toure struck the decisive kick in a dramatic shootout after Ali Abdi blazed over and goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved efforts from Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane.
Mali had earlier missed twice themselves, with Yves Bissouma firing over and Nene Dorgeles hitting the post.
Mali played almost the entire contest with 10 men after Woyo Coulibaly was sent off in the 26th minute for a studs-up challenge on Hannibal Mejbri, forcing the West Africans into a deep defensive shape for long spells.
Tunisia finally broke the deadlock late on through Firas Chaouat’s header, but their lead lasted only moments as Lassine Sinayoko converted a stoppage-time penalty after Yassine Meriah was penalised for handball.
Chaouat had a goal ruled out for offside in extra time as the game drifted towards penalties, where Diarra’s heroics turned the tide after Mali initially fell behind.
Mali will now face defending champions Senegal in Tangier on Friday, despite reaching the last eight without winning a match in regulation time, while Tunisia exit again at the round-of-16 stage.
