Fortune favors them! Mali national team edges out Tunisia in dramatic penalty shootout at the Africa Cup of Nations
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The national teams of Mali and Tunisia delivered an electrifying thriller in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Midway through the first half, Mali were reduced to ten men, but they held their defensive lines almost until the final whistle. Their resistance finally broke in the 88th minute when Chaouat slipped past the defenders and headed home the opening goal.
In stoppage time, the referee awarded a penalty to Mali for a handball in the box, and Sinayoko converted to level the score. It's worth noting the Tunisian goalkeeper came close to saving the Auxerre striker's shot.
Extra time couldn't separate the sides, so the crowd witnessed a nerve-shredding penalty shootout. Bissouma fired over the bar, but Abdi responded in kind. Next, Nene hit the post, but Mali's goalkeeper Diarra saved Tunisia’s final two spot-kicks to seal the win.
Up next, Mali will face Senegal in the quarterfinals.
