Mali beat Tunisia in Afcon first game after Ibrahim Kone grabbing early second half penalty
Mali has begun their 2021 Afcon campaign with a 1-0 victory over Tunisia at Limbe Stadium in Wednesday early kickoff. Both teams entered the game with the view of picking three points to boost their chances of qualifying for round of 16.
But it was Mali who burst into superiority after Ibrahim Kone converting 48’ minute spot to dent Tunisia’s Afcon hopes. Though Tunisia have two more games to redeem their 2021 Afcon image, clashes against Gambia in particular wouldn’t be easy.
However, Mali and Tunisia could qualify out of Group F as the two best teams with especially Mauritania not all that a tougher opponents.
Mali started the game well but could not utilized their chances. Tunisia who reached semifinals of last Afcon came into the party later and conceded unexpected penalty early in the second half.
Mali had piled pressure in Tunisia’s box for considerable seconds with the North Africans struggling to clear the danger.
The ball fell to “Kiki” Kouyaté who shot at goal but the ball hit Skhiri’s hand as the referee pointed at the penalty spot. Ibrahim Kone converted to give Mali a deserving lead.
Tunisia warmed and dominated the game as it’s unfortunate they could not the level on the 77’ minute after Wahbi Kahzri failing to convert a penalty.
Mali was then reduced to 10-men after El Bilal Toure showed the red card three minutes to full time. Tunisia should have capitalized on the numerical advantage but failed to make count as Mali run away with all three points.
Mali will face Gambia in their second group game before taking on Mauritanian in their last. Tunisia will play against Mauritania on Sunday and Gambia on next week Thursday.
