Ten-man Mali eliminated Tunisia after coming from behind to secure a 1–1 draw, forcing the match into extra time before winning 3–2 on penalties.
Mali suffered a major setback in the 26th minute when right-back Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for raking his studs down the back of Hannibal Mejbri’s calf, leaving his side to play most of the match with 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali remained resolute and went into halftime level at 0–0.
In the second half, Tunisia thought they had snatched a late winner in the 88th minute when substitute Firas Chaouat headed the Carthage Eagles in front. However, Mali were awarded a stoppage-time penalty after a handball was judged to have occurred inside the box.
Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot to send the contest into extra time and, eventually, to a penalty shootout.
Mali, who have never won the Africa Cup of Nations, held their nerve in the shootout, with El Bilal Touré scoring the decisive penalty while goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made two crucial saves to secure victory.
Mali will now face Senegal in the quarterfinals next Friday in Tangier. Senegal booked their place in the last eight after defeating Sudan 3–1 on Saturday.
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