The 10-man Eagles of Mali stunned Tunisia in the round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON) to book a spot in the quarter-finals of the most lucrative football competition on the continent.
The West Africans were a man down for more than 90 minutes after Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for catching Hannibal Mejbri on the Achilles with his boots.
Tunisia went ahead with two minutes of regulation time remaining when Firas Chaouat's header went into the top right corner but Mali were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after Yassine Meriah was penalised for handball.
Extra time was tense and cagey, with both sides showing signs of fatigue. Tunisia failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage, while Mali defended bravely, holding on to take the contest to penalties. In the shootout, Mali’s goalkeeper emerged as the hero, making crucial saves as Tunisia faltered from the spot. Mali held their nerve to win the shootout and complete a remarkable upset.
Mali have reached the quarter-final of the competition without winning a game in full time. They finished with just three points in their group nd finished as one of the best losers to reach the second round.
Mali will face 2021 champions Senegal, who beat Sudan earlier, in the last eight on Friday, January 9, 2026.
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