AFCON 2025: Mali vs Tunisia Round of 16 clash pulls record crowd

The Mali versus Tunisia Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round of 16 clash pulled a huge crowd that has never been seen before at at Mohammed V Stadium in Morocco.

The fans from both sides started trickling into the stadium four hours before the game kicked off. The chilly weather, coupled with a few drops of rains did not stop the fans from coming into the stadium to cheer their teams.

During the fixture, the Eagles booked their place in the last eight after defeating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties following a hard-fought draw 1-1 result in regulation and extra time.

After a 0-0 first half, Tunisia broke the deadlock when Firat Chaouat rose highest to head home Elias Saad’s cross, leaving Diarra with no chance.

However, a handball by defender Yassine Meriah in the penalty area gave Mali a lifeline, and Lassine Sinayoko calmly converted from the spot in the 90+6th minute to score his third goal of the tournament and force extra time.

During the spot kicks, Djigui Diarra, who plays for Young Africans in Tanzania proved the hero after he saved two, while one went over the bar.

At the closing stages of the game, it was announced that a record 41, 982 fans had attended the game. Previous matches in the same stadium had drawn between 19, 800 to 20, 000 fans.