Mali, With 10 Players, Eliminates Tunisia to Reach AFCON Quarter-Finals Against Senegal

Mali's national team has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tunisia 3-2 in a penalty shootout. The Round of 16 match took place on Saturday evening at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Early in the first half, Mali's Ousmane Coulibaly received a red card in the 26th minute for a violent tackle on Tunisia's Hannibal Mejbri, forcing Mali to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

Tunisia attempted to capitalize on their numerical advantage, but Mali intensified their defensive efforts, keeping the score goalless for much of the game. Firas Chaouat eventually broke the deadlock for Tunisia in the 88th minute.

However, drama unfolded in the dying moments when Mali equalized through a crucial penalty kick converted by Lassine Sinayoko in the 90+6th minute, sending the match into extra time.

The extra time periods saw no further goals, with the 1-1 scoreline remaining unchanged, leading to a penalty shootout where Mali emerged victorious with a 3-2 win.

Mali will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations next Friday at the Grand Stade de Tanger.