A dramatic, last-minute twist in the Mali vs Tunisia clash sent shockwaves through the Africa Cup of Nations, as the ten-man Mali team staged an incredible comeback and advanced to the quarter-finals in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
For most of the match, Mali were on the back foot. Reduced to 10 men early due to a red card, they faced a dominant Tunisia side that seemed poised to secure victory and advance smoothly in the tournament. Tunisia took the lead in the 88th minute, leaving Mali and their fans staring down elimination.
But Mali refused to go quietly. In the dying moments of the match, Lassine Sinayoko stepped up and converted a stoppage-time penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 and sending the match into extra time. The stadium erupted in disbelief and celebration as Tunisia’s late lead slipped away.
With no further goals in extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout. Mali’s goalkeeper Djigui Diarra turned into the hero of the day, making crucial saves that tilted the shootout in Mali’s favor. Mali triumphed 3-2 on penalties, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in this year’s tournament.
This victory sends Mali through to the AFCON quarter-finals, where they will face Senegal, while Tunisia’s campaign comes to a heartbreaking end.
The ten-man team’s resilience, Sinayoko’s last-gasp heroics, and Diarra’s penalty saves will be remembered as defining moments of this AFCON, a match that perfectly encapsulated the drama, unpredictability, and excitement of African football.
