Casablanca, January 3, 2026 - A tense and error-filled encounter at the Mohammed V Stadium saw Mali overcome Tunisia in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. The match concluded 1-1 after extra time, with Mali ultimately triumphing 3-2 in a penalty shootout.
From the outset, a palpable sense of anxiety permeated Tunisia's play. Their passes were often misplaced, their tackles mistimed, and their overall composure seemed fragile. This nervousness allowed Mali to gain an early foothold in the match. Lassine Sinayoko's 10th-minute goal reflected Mali's early dominance, capitalizing on Tunisia's defensive disarray.
Tunisia, however, managed to claw their way back into the game, with Hamza Rafia equalizing in the 20th minute. Despite the equalizer, Tunisia's performance remained riddled with unforced errors and a lack of fluidity in their attacking movements. The 'Eagles of Carthage' struggled to string together meaningful passes or create sustained pressure on the Malian defense.
Mali were reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute after Woyo Coulibaly's dismissal for a late challenge, handing Tunisia a numerical advantage for a significant portion of the match. However, Tunisia failed to capitalize on this advantage, their play still characterized by hesitancy and a lack of conviction.
As the game wore on, the tension became increasingly palpable. Clear-cut chances were few and far between, with both teams seemingly paralyzed by the fear of making a costly mistake. Tunisia briefly thought they had snatched a late victory when substitute Firas Chaouat scored in the dying moments of normal time, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Extra time failed to produce a decisive moment, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. Mali's goalkeeper, Djigui Diarra, emerged as the hero, making crucial saves to deny Tunisia and secure his team's passage to the quarter-finals.
While Mali showed resilience and capitalized on Tunisia's mistakes, Tunisia's timid and tetchy performance ultimately proved to be their undoing. Their inability to maintain composure, capitalize on their numerical advantage, and convert opportunities cost them dearly. The match highlighted the importance of mental fortitude and tactical flexibility in high-stakes tournament football. Mali progresses, while Tunisia reflects on a disappointing end to their AFCON campaign.
