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Mali's Prophecy Comes True: Sinayoko Secures Tunisia Showdown on Penalties

4 January 2026

Mali's Prophecy Comes True: Sinayoko Secures Tunisia Showdown on Penalties
Lassine Sinayoko's late penalty sends Mali through against Tunisia.

Match Recap

Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet led Mali, and his prophecy proved true during Saturday's Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Tunisia tonight.

Mali advanced to the quarterfinals after winning on penalties, 3-2, following a 1-1 draw dramatically with the Carthage Eagles in extra time.

Saintfiet had made several bold remarks at the pre-match press conference, including, 'We will score against Tunisia,' and the prophecy came true when Lassine Sinayoko converted a penalty at 90+7, sending the match to extra time.

He also explained, 'everyone knows we must win; we have 90 or 120 minutes, and even penalties if needed, folks, anyway'.

Mali set up a fiery date with Senegal in the tournament's quarterfinals next.

Two light-hearted punchlines to close: 1) If Saintfiet wrote a fortune teller's manual, the chapter would read: predict 1-1, then win on penalties. 2) Mali's fans now know penalties can be as dramatic as a soap opera cliffhanger.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the match result?

Mali won 3-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Tunisia.

Who scored the decisive late goal?

Lassine Sinayoko converted a late penalty in the 90+7 minute to send the game to extra time.

Who will Mali face in the next round?

Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals.