In their second Group E game at the Africa Cup of Nations, Tunisia came from behind to secure their first point in a 1-1 draw with Mali on Saturday in Korhogo, Ivory Coast, according to Reuters.
Lassine Sinayoko scored an early goal for Mali, but Tunisia’s Hamza Rafia equalised within 10 minutes at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.
After suffering a surprising defeat in their opening game against Namibia, Tunisia managed to secure a draw, while Mali beat South Africa and now leads the group with four points.
The second game between Namibia and South Africa will take place on Sunday in Korhogo.
In the 10th minute, Sinayoko scored his second goal of the tournament to put Mali ahead, striking from the left with his shot finding the back of the net off the inside of the post.
Tunisia leveled the score in the 20th minute with Ali Abdi setting up Rafia for the goal, completing a sweeping passing move.
Compared to the earlier games in nearby Bouake, the match struggled to match the level of excitement, despite being close to the Mali border.
Even though Mali’s four-point haul makes it almost certain for them to advance to the next round, Tunisia would likely need a win in their last game against South Africa on Wednesday to have a chance of progressing.
Sinayako had a half chance to restore Mali’s lead 11 minutes from time, but his effort was thwarted by the Tunisian defence.
With the top two teams in each group, plus the four best third-placed finishers, advancing to the last 16, Mali’s four-point haul is almost certain to secure them a place in the next round.
Tunisia, who defeated France at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, will likely need a win in their last game on Wednesday against South Africa in Korhogo to stand any chance of advancing.
(Reporting by Mark Gleeson; editing by Pritha Sarkar)
