Mali and Tunisia meet in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage, both aiming to improve after modest group performances. The Eagles of Mali advanced unbeaten but scoreless in open play, while Tunisia scraped through with one victory. Coaches from both sides emphasize the need for better finishing and overall play.
Tunisia enters the last 16 hoping to end a run of poor results against Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations. The Carthage Eagles advanced from Group C with a single 3-1 win over Uganda, followed by a loss to Nigeria and a draw against Tanzania. Coach Sami Trabelsi acknowledged the qualification's importance despite subpar play, stating, “The most important thing was to secure qualification. We have not done well in this competition in recent years and that is why qualification is so important.” He added that the team must elevate their performance against tougher opponents.
Mali secured second place in Group A with three draws, including against hosts Morocco, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches. They have not conceded more than one goal since a 2-1 defeat to Ghana in June 2024. Coach Tom Saintfiet expressed frustration over their lack of goals, saying after a 0-0 draw with Comoros, “It feels weird honestly, because as coach, you want to win games... we have to be more efficient in front of goal, and that is something we have to work on before the coming game.” Mali's goals in the tournament came from a penalty and one in normal play by Lassine Sinayoko.
Team news sees Mali missing midfielder Amadou Haidara due to suspension, while Tunisia's Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane faces doubt over a knee injury. Historically, Tunisia leads the head-to-head with four wins in seven meetings but is winless in four AFCON encounters against Mali, with two losses and two draws. Tunisia kept clean sheets in 2026 World Cup qualifying but has conceded five goals in this AFCON, scored by five different players including two from Elias Achouri.
