El Bilal Touré emerged as the hero as Mali edged past Tunisia on penalties to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 1–1 draw at the end of extra time.
Mali showed great resilience despite playing most of the match with ten men after defender Woyo Coulibaly was sent off in the 26th minute. Tunisia appeared to have sealed victory late in normal time when substitute Firas Chaouat headed home in the 88th minute to give the North Africans the lead.
However, Mali refused to give up. Deep into stoppage time, Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted a penalty to restore parity and force extra time, keeping Mali’s hopes alive under heavy rain in Casablanca.
With neither side able to find a winner in extra time, the match was decided by penalties. Mali captain Yves Bissouma missed the opening kick, but Tunisia failed to take advantage. Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra then produced two crucial saves, shifting momentum Mali’s way.
El Bilal Touré stepped up with confidence to score the winning spot-kick, sealing a dramatic shoot-out victory and sending Mali into the last eight.
The result sets up an all–West African quarter-final clash as Mali prepare to face Senegal next Friday in Tangiers. Still chasing their first AFCON title, Mali’s fighting spirit and belief continue to shine on the continental stage.
