By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Late Drama Sends Mali, Senegal Into AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals
Mali and Senegal have secured their places in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after two gripping Round of 16 encounters that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.
Mali’s route to the last eight was anything but straightforward. Playing most of the match with 10 men, the Eagles dug deep in a tense battle that appeared to be slipping away late on.
Tunisia struck in the 88th minute through Firas Chaouat, a goal that seemed to seal Mali’s exit from the tournament.
But football had one more twist. Deep into added time, Mali were handed a lifeline from the penalty spot. Lassine Sinayoko showed remarkable composure under pressure, calmly converting in the 97th minute to drag his side back into the contest.
With extra time failing to separate both teams, the match moved to penalties. It was Bilal Touré who eventually stepped up to deliver the decisive kick, sending Mali through and sparking celebrations among players and supporters alike.
Earlier in the day, Senegal booked their own quarter-final ticket with a convincing 3–1 win over Sudan. The Falcons of Jediane stunned the Teranga Lions early on when Aamir Abdallah Yunis found the net just six minutes into the game.
Senegal, however, responded with authority. Papa Gueye turned the match around with two well-taken goals before halftime, shifting the momentum firmly in his side’s favour. Ibrahim Mbaye later added a third to put the result beyond doubt and confirm Senegal’s progress.
The stage is now set for an all-West African showdown, as Senegal and Mali prepare to face each other in what promises to be one of the most eagerly awaited quarter-final clashes of AFCON 2025.
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