The fierce football rivalry between North African nations was on full display this weekend, as streets in Morocco erupted in celebration following the dramatic elimination of neighbouring Tunisia from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Dramatic Penalty Shootout Seals Tunisia's Fate
The Carthage Eagles saw their tournament hopes vanish in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout on Saturday night. After a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time, Mali's goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves to secure a 3-2 penalty victory for his side. This sent the 10-man Malian team into the quarterfinals in one of the tournament's most thrilling matches.
Tunisia appeared to have booked their passage late in the game. In the 88th minute, Firas Chaouat broke free from his marker to powerfully head home a deep cross from Elias Saad. The goal sparked wild celebrations on the Tunisian bench, but the drama was far from over.
Mali's Remarkable Fightback with 10 Men
Showing incredible resilience, Mali refused to surrender even after playing with a numerical disadvantage for most of the match. Defender Woyo Coulibaly was shown a straight red card in the 26th minute for stamping on the ankle of Tunisia's Hannibal Mejbri.
Deep into stoppage time, a lifeline was handed to Mali when Tunisian defender Yassine Meriah blocked a free-kick with his arm inside the box. Lassine Sinayoko held his nerve from the penalty spot in the 97th minute, smashing in the equaliser to force extra time.
This result means Mali has reached the quarterfinals without winning a single match within the standard 90 minutes. Their journey so far includes four matches, all ending in draws in regulation time, with progression secured through results decided in extra time or penalties.
A History of Celebrating Rivals' Downfall
For Moroccan supporters, this public jubilation over Tunisia's exit is not an isolated incident. Last week, after the Super Eagles of Nigeria edged Tunisia 3-2 in a group stage match in Fes, thousands of Moroccan fans similarly took to the streets, singing, dancing, and waving flags.
This pattern echoes past tournaments. Notably, at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt, Egyptian fans famously celebrated in the streets after Nigeria defeated Tunisia in the quarterfinal staged in Port Said.
In other AFCON action on Saturday, another West African nation, Senegal, booked its quarterfinal ticket. The Teranga Lions came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Sudan.
The ongoing AFCON continues to highlight how football tournaments reward resilience and efficiency in high-pressure moments like penalty shootouts, not just outright dominance during regular play.
