Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals: Senegal and Mali advance.

The knockout phase of the tournament between national teams returned this Saturday (3).

2026 has begun and the hottest national team competition in world football has already resumed its activities. The Africa Cup of Nations entered the knockout phase after the conclusion of the group stage in 2025, with 16 teams qualified for the round of 16. This Saturday (3), two of the first matches were played: Senegal vs Sudan and Mali vs Tunisia.

Starting at 1 PM (Brasilia time), Senegal defeated Sudan 3-1 at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco. The Sudanese opened the scoring with Aamir Abdallah in the sixth minute of the first half, assisted by Walieldin Khidir . However, the favorites reacted in the first half: in the 29th minute, midfielder Pape Gueye equalized with a pass from star Sadio Mané .

The same player extended the lead shortly after, putting Senegal ahead after receiving a pass from striker Nicholas Jackson . The result was settled in the 32nd minute of the second half with a goal from Ibrahim Mbaye , again assisted by Mané. Final score: 3-1.

The match seemed destined for a goalless draw, with the decision going to extra time or even penalties. Woyo Coulibaly was sent off for Mali in the 26th minute of the first half. With one player less, the Malian team focused almost exclusively on defending against Tunisian attacks, creating few dangerous opportunities. Firas Chaouat did manage to put Tunisia ahead with a header in the 43rd minute of the second half, after a pass from Elias Saad .

The result seemed to point towards victory for the team that dominated most of the game. However, when least expected, Mali launched an attack, won a penalty, and in the 51st minute, Lassine Sinayoko converted, securing a draw at the end of the match. With the score tied at the end of regulation time, the game went to extra time, but, with the score remaining unchanged, it was decided by penalties.

The penalty shootout was also marked by great emotion. Yassine Meriah opened the scoring for Tunisia, while Yves Bissouma missed for Mali; Ali Abdi also missed, but Sinayoko equalized. So far, 1-1.

Saad put Tunisia ahead, and Dorgelès Nene missed again for Mali. However, the Eagles of Carthage missed their fourth and fifth penalties with Elias Achouri and Bem Romdhane , and Bafodé Diakité converted the fourth penalty for Mali. El Bilal Touré sealed the Malians’ qualification. Final score: 3-2 on penalties.

With today’s results, Senegal and Mali will face each other in the African Cup quarter-finals next Friday (9), at 1 pm (Brasília time). The round of 16 continues this Sunday (4) with two matches. Host Morocco faces Tanzania at 1 pm (Brasília time), at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium, in Rabat. At 4 pm, Cameroon will face South Africa at the Al Barid stadium, also in the Moroccan capital.