Red Card Showdown: Was Mali's Expulsion Missing in AFCON Tunisia vs Mali?
3 January 2026
AFCON Referee Debates After Tunisia Mali Clash
In a high stakes Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash in Morocco, the Tunisia-Mali matchup was defined by a rash of physical challenges.
A Mali player was shown a red card in the 27th minute for a dangerous foul on Hannibal Majbri.
The referee also allowed a strong challenge near the edge of the box by Lassana Koulibaly to go unpunished, sparking questions from pundits.
The decision ignited a lively debate, with Mali players apologizing to the official and requests for a video review being declined by the referee.
Foot Mercato asked whether another Mali player should have been sent off for Koulibaly's foul on Hannibal Majbri.
Punchline 1 The whistle clearly needed a reboot this is football not a comedy show though the chorus of replays was entertaining. Punchline 2 If tackles were coffee that one would be an espresso short sharp and guaranteed to wake up the whole stadium.
