Ten-man Mali booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Tunisia in Casablanca on Saturday.

A fiercely contested round-of-16 clash was defined by its physical intensity from the outset. Referee Abongile Tom issued two early yellow cards within the opening seven minutes, while Tunisia were forced into an early change as Dylan Bronn was replaced by Yassine Meriah in the 12th minute.

Tempers continued to flare as Mali’s Yves Bissouma and Tunisia’s Hadj Mahmoud were cautioned before the match turned decisively in the 28th minute. Mali were reduced to 10 men when Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.

Despite the setback, Mali showed remarkable resilience, pressing bravely instead of sitting deep, while Tunisia attempted to exploit their numerical advantage. Mejbri was at the centre of several key moments, escaping a heavy challenge from Lassana Coulibaly late in the first half that went unpunished, much to Tunisia’s frustration.

After the restart, Mali dropped into a more compact shape, successfully limiting Tunisia’s attacking rhythm. The North Africans struggled to create clear chances, with their first notable effort of the half coming when goalkeeper Diarra punched away a corner.

Tunisia’s frustration deepened on the hour mark when Mejbri went down in the box appealing for a penalty, only to be booked for simulation. The midfielder later forced Diarra into a smart save with a curling free kick in the 78th minute.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute. Elias Saad delivered an inviting cross that Firas Chaouat headed home from close range to put Tunisia ahead.

But late drama swung the tie once more. Yassine Meriah was penalised for handball following a VAR review, and Lassine Sinayoko converted the resulting penalty despite Dahmen getting a hand to the ball, forcing extra time.

Extra time was tense and cagey, with tired legs on both sides. Mali had penalty appeals waved away, while Tunisia saw a goal ruled out for offside after VAR intervention.

With the deadlock unbroken after 120 minutes, the contest was settled from the spot. Mali goalkeeper Diarra proved decisive, saving two penalties as his side triumphed 3–2 in the shootout.

Mali will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals on Friday, January 9, after the defending champions defeated Sudan 3–1 earlier in the day.