The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 reached new heights of drama on Saturday, as the Round of 16 produced a thrilling penalty shootout, a commanding Senegal victory and confirmation that the continent’s elite sides are ready to battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
In Casablanca, under the lights at the Stade Mohammed V, Mali delivered one of the standout performances of the knockout phase by eliminating Tunisia in dramatic fashion. The tightly contested encounter ended 1-1 after extra time, with Mali holding their nerve to win 3-2 on penalties and book a quarter-final clash with Senegal.
Although Mali were reduced to 10 men in the first half following a red card, they displayed steely resilience against a Tunisian side that dominated possession for much of the match. Tunisia looked poised for victory when Firas Chaouat headed them into the lead late in regulation time, only for Mali to force extra time thanks to a last-gasp penalty converted by Lassine Sinayoko deep into stoppage time.
The shootout then unfolded as a test of psychological strength, with Mali’s goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerging as the hero by making key saves that ultimately tipped the balance in the West Africans’ favour. “This night in Casablanca will be remembered as a triumph of courage,” noted spectators and analysts alike, as Mali sealed their place in the last eight.
Meanwhile in Tangier, defending champions Senegal stamped their authority on the competition with a convincing 3-1 victory over Sudan. The Teranga Lions rode the experience and clinical finishing that many expected from a side vying to retain their crown, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline and attacking threat. Senegal’s march into the quarter-finals underscores their status as one of the favourites in this year’s tournament.
Senegal’s match featured moments of tension, including an early shock when Sudan took the lead through Aamir Abdallah, but the West African giants responded with composure and quality to turn the tie around. Midfield maestro Pape Guèye scored and assisted, playing a pivotal role in his side’s progression and reinforcing Senegal’s reputation for knockout fluency.
Across both fixtures, the intensity of knockout football was on full display: strategic substitutions, momentum swings, emotional celebrations and the high stakes that define AFCON’s latter stages. For Tunisia, the elimination will surely be a bitter pill after enjoying long periods of control, while Sudan’s spirited run to the Round of 16 marks a significant achievement for the Nile Crocodiles.
As the tournament heads deeper into the knockout rounds, the remaining teams prepare for even fiercer contests. Mali’s reward for their thrilling shootout victory is a quarter-final showdown with Senegal on January 9, setting up a clash between strategy and star power that could define AFCON’s latter stages.
