Tunisia knocked out in round of 16 of AFCON
Defeated on penalties by Mali
First Team
04.01.2026, 12:00
FCA’s Elias Saad and Ismaël Gharbi have been eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations with Tunisia. Their side were beaten 3-2 on penalties in the round of 16 by Mali, despite playing the majority of the game with an extra man.
Tom Saintfiet’s team controlled the game thanks to Mali’s early red card – Woyo Coulibaly was dismissed in the 26th minute – but failed to create enough opportunities. Elias Saad, who replaced his FCA teammate Ismaël Gharbi after 70 minutes, assisted Firas Chaouat’s strike in the 88th minute.
Mali managed to draw level with a penalty in stoppage time, converted by Lassine Sinayoko (90’+6). With no further goals coming in extra time, the game went to a shootout, which Mali won 3-2. Elias Saad scored his penalty but had to watch on as his team were unfortunately knocked out.
