Mali secured a historic berth in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Saturday, overcoming a numerical disadvantage to defeat Tunisia 3-2 on penalties. The dramatic last-16 encounter finished 1-1 after extra time at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
The Eagles faced an uphill battle from the 26th minute after defender Woyo Coulibaly was sent off, leaving them a man down for the majority of the contest. It appeared Tunisia had finally broken their resistance when substitute Firas Chaouat headed the Carthage Eagles in front in the 88th minute.
However, Mali earned a stunning reprieve in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty, which Lassine Sinayoko converted to force extra time. The tension escalated in the shootout after captain Yves Bissouma blazed Mali’s opening kick over the bar.
Tunisia failed to capitalize as Ali Abdi missed his effort, allowing Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra to become the hero by saving two further penalties. El Bilal Toure then stepped up to bury the winning spot-kick, sparking wild celebrations among the Malian faithful.
Coach Tom Saintfiet’s side now advances to a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against neighbors Senegal next Friday in Tangiers. “Before the game I said my team were already heroes and now there is no other word,” the Belgian coach remarked, praising his players’ immense fighting spirit.
