Mali Survive Dramatic Shootout After Late Tunisia Heartbreak

CASABLANCA, Morocco — Djigui Diarra emerged as Mali's hero, saving two penalties in a dramatic shootout as the Eagles survived a rollercoaster encounter to defeat Tunisia 3-2 on spot kicks after the match finished 1-1 following extra time at Mohamed V Stadium. The Mali goalkeeper's heroics came after his side had been reduced to nine men and seemed destined for elimination, only for Lassine Sinayoko's 96th-minute penalty to force extra time and set up one of the most dramatic AFCON conclusions in recent memory.

Tunisia appeared to have stolen victory in the dying moments of regulation when Firas Chaouat rose majestically in the 88th minute to power a header from the center of the box into the bottom right corner, meeting Elias Saad's pinpoint delivery. Stade Mohamed V erupted as the Carthage Eagles celebrated what seemed a decisive breakthrough. But the drama was only beginning. Deep into stoppage time, with Mali desperately pushing forward despite their numerical disadvantage, Yassine Meriah handled in the penalty area. Sinayoko stepped up with ice in his veins, drilling his right-footed penalty into the bottom right corner in the 96th minute to send the match into extra time.

The additional 30 minutes passed without further goals despite Tunisia's overwhelming territorial advantage, though Ali Abdi came agonizingly close when his effort from the center of the box sailed just wide. Ellyes Skhiri forced a smart save from Diarra with a long-range effort, but the Mali goalkeeper was equal to everything thrown at him. The shootout proved equally tense. After Yves Bissouma and Ali Abdi both missed their opening penalties, Yassine Meriah converted for Tunisia before Sinayoko leveled. Elias Saad scored, but Dorgeles Nene struck the left post to keep Tunisia ahead. Then Diarra took center stage, denying Elias Achouri before Gaoussou Diakite converted to make it 2-2. The Mali keeper saved again from Mohamed Ben Romdhane, allowing El Bilal Touré to slot home the winning penalty.

Tunisia dominated possession with 72.3%, pinning Mali back for long stretches and creating the better chances throughout. The Carthage Eagles' pressure yielded 11 corners and 13 shots to Mali's eight, with Yan Valery and Ferjani Sassi orchestrating play from midfield. Yet for all their territorial dominance, Tunisia managed just four shots on target, with Diarra standing tall when called upon. The referee was busy in a feisty affair, brandishing 11 cards—six yellows for Tunisia and four for Mali—with the Eagles reduced to nine men after two dismissals.

The turning point came not with Chaouat's goal but with Mali's refusal to surrender. Down to nine men and trailing with seconds remaining, most teams would have accepted defeat. Instead, Mamadou Sangaré and his teammates pressed forward with remarkable courage, earning the penalty that changed everything. Yassine Meriah's handball proved costly, and Sinayoko's nerveless conversion shifted all momentum. From that moment, Tunisia's confidence visibly wavered, their earlier dominance forgotten as the shootout loomed.

Mali will next face their opponent on January 18, while Tunisia travel to take on their next challenger on June 20.