The Carthage Eagles’ journey in the 35th AFCON ended heartbreakingly as Tunisia lost 3-2 on penalties to Mali following a 1-1 stalemate. Despite Mali playing with ten men after Wayo Coulibaly’s red card, Tunisia failed to dominate the match. Firas Chaouat finally broke the deadlock minutes from time, heading home Elias Saad’s cross.
However, joy turned to despair when Yassine Meriah’s handball conceded a penalty, which Lassine Sinayoko converted to force extra time. In the subsequent shootout, Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra became the undisputed hero, saving two crucial spot-kicks. Tunisian coach Trabelsi accepted full responsibility for failing to exploit their clear numerical advantage.
Conversely, Mali coach Tom Saintfiet praised his squad's tactical intelligence and resilience under immense pressure. Mali now advances to face Senegal in the quarter-finals, after the Teranga Lions comfortably defeated Sudan 3-1. Saintfiet acknowledged Senegal as favorites but maintained that Mali’s ultimate objective remains winning the tournament.