10-Man Mali Pull Off AFCON Miracle: Tunisia Stunned in Casablanca Thriller
In a defining match of AFCON 2025, 10-man Mali eliminated Tunisia on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Mohammed V Stadium. Lassine Sinayoko's 96th-minute equalizer canceled out Firas Chaouat's late strike, extending Tunisia's 22-year title drought.
The Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca bore witness to one of the greatest defensive stands in AFCON history as Mali, playing with 10 men for nearly 100 minutes, shocked Tunisia to reach the quarter-finals.
Despite a 26th-minute red card and falling behind in the 88th minute, the Eagles of Mali refused to die. A stoppage-time penalty from Auxerre’s Lassine Sinayoko forced a shootout where El Bilal Touré’s decisive kick sealed a 4-3 victory, keeping Mali’s unbeaten AFCON record against Tunisia intact.
The Turning Point: Coulibaly vs. Mejbri
The game’s dynamic shattered early on. In the 26th minute, Mali’s Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Burnley midfielder Hannibal Mejbri. The 22-year-old playmaker, who has been a regular for the Premier League side this season, was the target of aggressive marking throughout.
Reduced to 10 men, Mali retreated into a low block. Tunisia dominated possession (hitting 70% by full-time) but struggled to break down a resolute defense led by goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
90+6: The Sinayoko Lifeline
Tunisia thought they had won it in the 88th minute when substitute Firas Chaouat headed home a cross to spark wild celebrations on the Carthage Eagles' bench. But the drama had one final twist.
Deep into stoppage time, Tunisian defender Yassine Meriah handled the ball in the box. Lassine Sinayoko stepped up to the spot. The forward, who has netted 6 goals for Auxerre in Ligue 1 this season, showed nerves of steel to bury the equalizer in the 96th minute.
- Stat Check: This goal maintained Mali’s incredible record: they have never lost to Tunisia in AFCON finals history (now W2, D3).
The Shootout & What It Means
After a goalless extra time where Chaouat had a second goal ruled out for offside, penalties decided the fate. Tunisia faltered under the pressure of their 22-year trophy drought (last winning in 2004), while El Bilal Touré converted the winner to send Mali through.
Mali will now face defending champions Senegal in the quarter-finals on January 9—a massive West African derby that promises fireworks. For Tunisia, the wait for a second continental crown continues, with focus now shifting to World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
The Analyst's Verdict
Impact Rating: A (Historic Resilience)
This result is an indictment of Tunisia's inability to kill games. Playing against 10 men for over an hour, they generated plenty of possession but lacked the cutting edge to put Mali away before the chaotic final minutes. Conversely, Mali's tactical discipline was world-class. If Sinayoko (7.03 average rating in Ligue 1) continues this form, they are genuine threats to Senegal.
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