Mali became the second team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic Round of 16 encounter that was decided by a penalty shoot-out.
Reduced to 10 men for much of the contest, the Eagles showed resilience to force a 1–1 draw after regulation time. Tunisia’s Firas Chaouat broke the deadlock in the 88th minute, seemingly putting Mali on the brink of elimination. However, deep into stoppage time, Mali were awarded a penalty, which Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted in the 97th minute to restore parity.
Extra time failed to produce a goal, sending the match to penalties, where Bilal Touré scored the decisive kick to secure Mali’s passage into the last eight.
Earlier in the day, Senegal also sealed a place in the quarter-finals with a 3–1 victory over Sudan. The Falcons of Jediane threatened an upset after Aamir Abdallah Yunis opened the scoring in the sixth minute.
Senegal responded strongly, with Papa Gueye netting a brace before halftime to turn the game around. Ibrahim Mbaye added a third goal to confirm the Teranga Lions’ progress.
Senegal will now face Mali in what promises to be a highly anticipated quarter-final clash.
