Essam El Shouli unloads on Tunisian star after Mali shock exit in AFCON 2025
3 January 2026
Match fallout
The Tunisian commentator, Essam El Shouli, launched a sharp critique at Mohamed Ali Ben Ramadan, Carthage Eagles forward, during Mali's Round of 16 clash in the Africa Cup of Nations. On a night of high drama, the broadcast framed the moment as a turning point in the game.
Mali knocked Tunisia out of AFCON in Morocco after a 1-1 draw and penalties, with Mali winning 3-2 on spot kicks at Mohammed V Stadium on Saturday night.
Tunisia missed three penalties, the last coming from Ben Ramadan, who plays for Al Ahly in Egypt.
Criticism and aftermath
Ben Ramadan came on in the 85th minute, replacing Hannibal Mejri, drawing criticism from El Shouli who was commentating on the match.
After the miss, El Shouli said Tunisia's exit was sealed by that moment and criticized his performance.
The Tunisian commentator added that bringing Ben Ramadan on was a mistaken move given what he had shown earlier.
El Shouli later stated that Ben Ramadan’s entry was a billion percent wrong decision.
Tunisia’s exit leaves Mali into the next round, while fans will debate substitutions for days.
The match report notes the venue, Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, and the late drama that defined the night.
Sports fans will remember the miss for a long time, and comedians will love the material.
Punchline 1: If penalties were a sniper range, Tunisia just fired blanks.
Punchline 2: Ben Ramadan’s kick was so off that even the ball filed for a map.
