Stuttering Tunisia grab vital point in Mali clash

Tunisia collected their first point in Group E at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations this week, following their 1-1 draw with Mali at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium on Saturday 20 January.

The draw saw Mali collect four points in Group E, one point ahead of Namibia who will face South Africa on Sunday 21 January. While Mali edge closer to making it to the Round of 16, Tunisia will likely need a victory in their final clash to stand a chance of making it out of the group.

Mali saw most of the ball during the early exchanges of the match and took the lead courtesy of Lassine Sinayoko’s effort in the 10th minute. After a clever one-two passing move on the edge of the area, the Mali attacker’s low driving shot left goalkeeper Bechir Ben Said rooted to the spot.

Tunisia levelled matters 10 minute later, with Hamza Raifa joining Sinayoko on the scoresheet. After a swift transition move en-route to the Mali box, left-back Ali Al-Abdi picked out Raifa with a squared ball across the box, as the attacker guided the ball home with a powerful shot toward the centre of the goal.

Mali continued to dominate on the ball in the first half but struggled to make the most of their scoring chances. Likewise, Tunisia created four notable chances of their own but often fell short at the final hurdle.

As far as the second-hand was concerned, Mali rang in the changes and further gained control of the tie. With 12 shots produced in the second 45, the Eagles could only manage to get one of them on target.

Tunisia played under the cosh for much of the tie, particularly in the second-half, given their average of 39 per cent with the ball at their feet.

The Carthage Eagles will now face South Africa in their final Group E match on Wednesday, 24 January, while Mali will face Namibia the same day.

Tunisia: (1) 1 (Rafia 20’)

Mali: (1) 1 (Sinayoko 10’)

Tunisia: Ben Said, Kechrida, Meriah, Talbi, Abdi, Rafia (Srarfi 78’), Skhiri, Laidouni, Achouri (Ltaief 70’), Msakni (Jaziri 88’), Slimane (Romdhane 88’)

Mali: Diarra, Sacko, Niakate, Kouyate, Traore, Samassekou (Bissouma 84’), Haidara (Dorgeles 69’), Coulibaly, Doumbia (Sissoko 83’), Koita (Diabate 69’) Sinayoko (Niakate 83’)