10-Man Mali Edge Tunisia on Penalties to Reach 2026 AFCON Quarterfinals

It's a story of pure resilience. Despite playing with 10 men for most of the match, Mali stunned Tunisia in a penalty shootout on Saturday to secure their spot in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinals.

Casablanca Drama: A 96th-Minute Lifeline

According to news agencies, the tide turned early against Mali when Woyo Coulibaly saw a straight red card in the 26th minute at Casablanca's Mohammed V Stadium. Tunisia finally exploited their numerical advantage in the 88th minute when Firas Chaouat headed home, seemingly ending Mali's hopes.

However, the Eagles refused to go down. Deep into stoppage time at 96 minutes, Lassine Sinayoko converted a VAR-awarded penalty to force extra time. The 41,982 fans witnessed a physical battle that eventually drifted into a tense shootout under heavy rain.

Shootout Heroics and the Road to Tangier

Tottenham star Yves Bissouma missed his opening penalty, but goalkeeper Djigui Diarra saved two Tunisia efforts to turn the tide. El Bilal Toure then stepped up to seal a 3-2 shootout victory. Mali doesn't have much time to celebrate, as they face West African giants Senegal in the quarterfinals next Friday in Tangier.