It was one of the expected shocks of the group stage of this 2024 African Cup of Nations. And this Tunisia-Mali will have kept all its promises.
In a very lively meeting, the two teams separated in a draw (1-1) which is much more in favor of the Malians, almost already qualified for the 8th, while the Eagles of Carthage find themselves in a delicate situation before their Last match.
On the pitch of the Amadou-Gon-Coulibaly stadium in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, it was Auxerrois Lassine Sinayoko who launched hostilities on the first incursion into the Tunisian camp with a very nice goal in the tenth minute of game. Served from more than twenty meters, the Malian striker came to enter the area, before unleashing a superb cross strike on the ground which found the net using the post.
Ten minutes later, on a big highlight, the men of Jalel Kadri and Selim Benachour equalized thanks to Hamza Rafia, well served behind the Caennais Ali Abdi (1-1, 20th).
[📺LIVE] 🏆🌍 #CAN2023
🇹🇳🇲🇱 Sinayoko opens the scoring for Mali!
🔥 A splendid action concluded by an unstoppable strike at the back post! #TUNMAL #beINCAN2023 pic.twitter.com/XBhLMsZbX9
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 20, 2024
The second period, even if a little more choppy, was just as lively but did not make it possible to decide between the two selections.
Mali perfectly countered the Tunisian enthusiasm by keeping possession of the ball and annihilating any offensive possibility for the Carthage Eagles.
The entrants on the Tunisian side (Ltaief, Srarfi, Jaziri, Ben Romdhane) were unable to force the decision.
Results, with this draw, Tunisia, surprised at the start by Namibia (0-1), has only one point in two matches and will have to win in the last match this Wednesday against the South Africans to hope to qualify for the round of 16.
Mali is calmer with 4 points and its inaugural victory against South Africa (2-0).
The Eagles are currently at the top of group E with 4 points.