Mali Advances to Quarter-Finals of AFCON 2025 After Dramatic Penalty Shootout Victory

Mali secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a resilient 1-1 draw against Tunisia after extra time, followed by a 3-2 victory on penalties in a thrilling Round of 16 encounter at the Stade Mohammed V.

Despite playing with ten men for much of the match following a red card, the Eagles demonstrated remarkable composure. Tunisia took the lead late in regulation time through Firas Chaouat's header, but Mali equalized in stoppage time via a Lassine Sinayoko penalty after a handball decision.

The game remained level through extra time, leading to penalties where Mali's goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made crucial saves, and El Bilal Touré converted the decisive spot-kick.

Mali had progressed to the knockout stage as runners-up in Group A, remaining unbeaten with three draws: 1-1 against Zambia, 1-1 against hosts Morocco, and 0-0 against Comoros.

This marks Mali's fourth consecutive appearance in the AFCON knockout stages. They will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals.