In an exciting match held in Casablanca as part of the Round of 16, regular and extra time ended with a score of 1:1. The Mali national team played most of the match with one player less.
The key figure of this match was goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who showcased outstanding skills in the penalty shootout, saving two shots from the opponent.
In the 88th minute, Tunisia took the lead thanks to a goal from striker Firas Chaouat, who successfully finished a cross from Elias Saada. However, in stoppage time, Mali managed to bring back the intrigue by earning a penalty. Tunisia's defender, Yassine Meriah, handled the ball after a free kick, and Lassine Sinayoko converted the penalty in the 97th minute, sending the game into extra time.
Unfortunately for Mali, they were reduced to ten men in the 26th minute after Voyo Koulibaly was sent off for a foul on Tunisia's midfielder, Hannibal Mejbri. Nevertheless, the team demonstrated resilience and managed to hold on in a difficult situation.
In extra time, Chaouat scored again, but his goal was disallowed for offside. The fate of the match was decided in the penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Diarra played a crucial role.
Interestingly, Mali advanced to the quarter-finals without winning a single match in regular time of the tournament: the team finished all three group stage matches in a draw and then repeated this result against Tunisia.
In the quarter-finals, Mali will face Senegal in Tangier next Friday. The Senegalese previously defeated Sudan 3:1 and also made it to the last eight of the tournament.
