The Carthage Eagles journey in the 35th edition of the AFCON, came to an end after losing 3-2 on penalties to Mali following a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time.
The fixture played at Stade Mohammed V saw Tunisia suffer an early setback after defender Dylan Bronn left the pitch injured. However, Mali’s blow was huge as Wayo Coulibaly was shown a red card following a clumsy challenge on Hannibal Mejbri.
Despite enjoying the numerical advantage, Tunisia failed to break down Mali until the last two minutes of the game. Firas Chaouat rose highest to head home Elias Saad’s cross and make it 1-0 in favour of the Carthage Eagles.
However, Tunisia’s celebrations were short lived as Mali responded in added minutes. A handball by Yassine Meriah in the penalty area gave Mali the opportunity to level the scores, and Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot.
After 120 minutes of extra time, the game remained 1-1 forcing it to be decided on penalties. Mali custodian Djigui Diarra turned the hero, after he saved two penalties, with another going over the bar.
Missed opportunity
Speaking after the game, Trabelsi admitted Tunisia should have seized the opportunity of Mali playing with 10 men to win the game but it never happened.
“A defeat remains a defeat, even if it comes through penalties. It is true that we could have qualified, as our opponents played with ten men from the end of the first half, but it did not happen,” said Trabelsi.
He added: “The responsibility for the loss lies with the coach, that is certain. The players gave everything they had in a match we largely controlled, and we cannot blame them.”
He continued: “It was a difficult match. Tunisia were in control, but unfortunately after scoring, something incomprehensible happened and we made a mistake. Of course, there is great disappointment and pain after Tunisia’s elimination from the competition.”
Mali coach Tom Saintfiet revealed his happiness after sealing a quarter-final slot at the expense of Tunisia and maintained their aim is to remain in the competition until the end.
“I am proud of the goalkeeper and of all the players. Before the match, I told them that they are champions. If we had played with 11 players, we might have had even more advantages,” said the Belgian coach.
“After the red card, we remained calm and adapted to the situation, because football is also played with intelligence. We prepared very well for the match against Tunisia, and the players knew exactly what they were doing.”
Mali will next face Senegal in the last eight. Speaking of the game, Saintfiet said: “We will face Senegal in the quarter-finals. Senegal will be the favourites, just as Morocco and Tunisia were in our previous matches. We have a clear objective, which is to remain in the competition.”
The former African champions qualified following their comeback 3-1 win against Sudan. The East Africans had taken the lead through Aamir Abdallah, but Senegal hit back with Gueye netting a brace before substitute Ibrahima Mbaye sealed the win.
