Mali defeated Tunisia 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time to reach the AFCON 2025 quarter finals on Saturday.
The Eagles progressed against the odds, holding Sami Trabelsi’s side after extra time before prevailing in the shootout.
Tunisia took the lead in the 88th minute when Firas Chaouat powered a glancing header past a rooted goalkeeper.
Mali, who had been reduced to 10 men in the 26th minute after Woyo Coulibaly was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Hannibal Mejbri, responded immediately.
A free kick into the box was handled by Yassine Meriah, allowing Lassine Sinayoko to convert a last minute penalty and force extra time.
Tunisia had a goal ruled out for offside following a VAR review in extra time before missing three penalties in the shootout, as El Bilal Toure converted the decisive kick to send the north African nation out.
Mali advance to the last eight without a win in regulation time after four matches and will face Senegal, who earlier defeated Sudan 3 1 to book their own quarter final place.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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