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The Digest:

Mali, playing with ten men for over an hour, displayed remarkable resilience to edge Tunisia 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 stalemate, advancing in a tournament where every moment tests a team's spirit.

Key Points:
  • Mali equalised late in added time via a VAR-awarded penalty, forcing extra time.
  • Tunisia took the lead in the 88th minute through a Firas Chaouat header.
  • Mali’s Woyo Coulibaly was sent off for a dangerous tackle in the first half.
  • Tunisia had a goal correctly ruled out for offside during extra time.
  • Mali failed to convert their first penalty, while Tunisia missed three spot-kicks.
  • El Bilal Toure scored the decisive penalty to send Mali through.
  • This marks Mali's first AFCON quarter-final appearance since 2013.
The victory was not just about skill, but steely resolve, revealing how teams can navigate storms not just of competition, but of composure.

Sources: Soccernet, Score Nigeria