Mali secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16, prevailing 3-2 on spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw in Casablanca. The match, played in heavy rain, saw Mali reduced to ten men after 27 minutes, yet they fought back to equalise in the 96th minute and held on through extra time.
Tunisia took the lead in the 88th minute through Yassine Meriah, but Mali responded deep into stoppage time when Ibrahim Sissoko scored. The goal came after the allotted added time had elapsed, sparking chaotic scenes. Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero in the shootout, making two crucial saves to deny Tunisia.
The shootout itself was fraught with drama. Tunisia's Ali Abdi and Mali's Yves Bissouma both missed early efforts, with Bissouma blazing his penalty high over the bar. Nene Dorgeles then hit the post for Mali, but Diarra's saves kept his side in contention. El Bilal Toure scored the decisive penalty to send Mali through.
Mali, who have not won or lost a game in 90 minutes during the tournament, will now face Senegal in the quarter-finals on 9 January. Tunisia, meanwhile, were left to rue missed chances, having failed to put the game to bed despite their numerical advantage.
