There was no winner in the match between Tunisia and Mali on Day 2 of the AFCON 2023. The match ended 1-1. Mali consolidate their position at the top of Group E with 4 points, ahead of the Namibia-South Africa clash on Sunday January 21. Tunisia pick up their 1st point and must win their final match against South Africa if they are to qualify.
In a match where Tunisia got off to a better start, but failed to find the back of the net despite a few situations, it was Mali striker Lassine Sinayoko who broke the deadlock for the Eagles in the 9th minute. The ball came from the Malian defense to Sinayoko outside the 18-meter box. He made a successful incursion down the left flank, outpacing two defenders between whom he threaded his way, and unleashed a cross-shot. The ball hit the right-hand post and flew into the Tunisian goal. The shot was unstoppable for the Carthage Eagles goalkeeper. (1-0) for Mali.
Tunisia responded in the 19th minute when Ali Al-Abdi's cross was headed in by Msakni. The ball followed an odd trajectory and was close to going in, but Malian defender Kouyaté pushed it away for a corner. A minute later, when Ali Al-Abdi broke down the left wing again and crossed, Hamza Rafia, who had arrived unmarked, got ahead of the Malian defence and stretched out his foot to equalize (1-1).
After that, no one had the upper hand in the game. Initiatives from both sides followed each other, without either team having a big chance. The defences had taken precedence over the attacks.
The 2 teams returned to the locker room at 1-1. Mali dominated possession with 60% compared to 40 for the Tunisians.In terms of chances, the teams were almost equal.Mali had 3 shots and 1 on target, which led to the goal.Tunisia, for their part, had 4 shots and one on target.
Mali dominate but Tunisia defend well
The first clear-cut chance of the second half came in the 50th minute. Kamory Doumbia made a mad dash from over 40m out, evading all the Tunisian defenders but narrowly missing the target with the outside of his foot. Mali dominated the rest of the match, with a succession of offensives, but the vigilant Tunisian defense did not concede any chances. Then, in the 78th minute, there was another chance of note.
A willing Sinayoko latched onto Hamari Traoré's cross, but the ball flew over the crossbar. Tunisia, who had decided to wait for the Malians, finally had a chance on the counter-attack at the 79th minute.But the shot attempted at the end of the action, following a feint on a defender, was blocked in extremis by a Malian foot. Mali continued to dominate against a Tunisia side with no attacking options, but which was very effective in defence. Bissouma tried his luck with a free-kick in stoppage time, but to no avail. The match ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw for Mali. At the end of the match, statistics showed Mali with 62% possession, 11 shots on target and 2 on target, and Tunisia with 32% possession, 5 shots on target and 1 on target.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇹🇳 1-1 🇲🇱
One goal for each & great football skills have been played by both teams during this game. 💯#TUNMLI | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | @Football2Gether
— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 20, 2024
