Lassine Sinayoko and Djigui Diarra delivered one of the most dramatic moments in Africa Cup of Nations history as Mali stunned Tunisia on penalties to reach the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals.
Tunisia went into the match as clear favourites, and Mali’s task became even harder when they were reduced to ten men in the 26th minute. Despite the setback, Mali defended bravely and stayed in the game for long periods.
Late drama followed in the 88th minute when Tunisia finally broke through to take a 1–0 lead, a goal that appeared to have ended Mali’s hopes. But deep into stoppage time, Lassine Sinayoko kept his nerve to score a crucial equaliser in the 96th minute, forcing the game into extra time.
With no further goals scored, the match moved to penalties. Mali missed their first kick, while Tunisia converted theirs, putting the West Africans under serious pressure. Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra then rose to the occasion, producing two outstanding saves to turn the shoot-out around.
Mali went on to win the penalties, completing an unforgettable comeback and writing their name into AFCON folklore. Against the odds, with ten men and moments from elimination, Mali showed courage, belief, and resilience to book a famous place in the last eight.
