Tunisia’s AFCON Dream Ends in Heartbreak as Ten-Man Mali Seal Dramatic Shootout Win

Tunisia’s 2026 Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to a painful end in Casablanca on Saturday night as the Carthage Eagles were eliminated by Mali following a tense 1–1 draw and a 3–2 defeat on penalties in the round of 16.

What made the exit even more difficult to accept was the fact that Mali played more than an hour with ten men after Woyo Coulibaly was sent off in the 26th minute. Despite enjoying a clear numerical advantage and dominating large portions of the contest, Tunisia failed to put the tie beyond reach and were eventually punished in the shootout.

Tunisia finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute when substitute Firas Chaouat powered home a header that appeared to have secured their passage into the quarter-finals. The celebrations were short-lived. Deep into stoppage time, Mali were awarded a penalty after a handball in the box, and Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted to force extra time and revive Mali’s hopes.

Neither side found a winner during the additional 30 minutes, and the match was settled from the spot. Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra produced two crucial saves as his team held their nerve to win 3–2, silencing the Tunisian supporters inside the Mohammed V Stadium.

The fallout was immediate. Less than 24 hours later, the Tunisian Football Federation announced the departure of head coach Sami Trabelsi and his technical staff, acknowledging the early exit as a major disappointment for a nation that entered the tournament with high expectations.

For Tunisia, the defeat raises uncomfortable questions about composure, creativity in the final third and their inability to capitalise on advantage. For Mali, the victory stands as a testament to resilience and belief — a performance that keeps their continental dream alive.