Tunisia’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to an end after a penalty shootout defeat to Mali, in a match where they had let victory slip away.
Tunisia started the game with clear intent and were the better side for long spells, creating the more dangerous moments and pressing high to force mistakes. Mali, however, stayed organised and made sure the contest did not open up early on, with both teams cancelling each other out through much of the first half.
After the break, Tunisia continued to look the sharper team and pushed in search of a breakthrough. Their pressure eventually paid off as they found the goal that put them in front, giving them a strong position to manage the closing stages.
But Mali refused to go away. Tunisia failed to make the most of their advantage, and as the match moved into its decisive moments, Mali found the equaliser to drag the game back to level terms and force extra time.
Extra time did not produce a winner, with fatigue showing on both sides and the match becoming more cautious. With neither team able to find another goal, the quarter-final place was settled by penalties.
In the shootout, Mali held their nerve and came out on top, sealing Tunisia’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations in heartbreaking fashion after the Tunisians had been in control for long periods.
