A first half goal from Hamza Rafia secured Tunisia their first point of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as they held Mali to a 1-1 draw on Friday.
Mali took the lead in the 15th minute through Lassine Sinayoko’s drilled opener. The Auxerre forward emphatically thumped a diagonal drive in off the far post for his second goal of the tournament.
But Tunisia equalized just 10 minutes later when Ali Abdi’s low cross was turned in by Rafia with the help of Mali keeper Djigui Diarra’s body.
Mali nearly retook the lead right after halftime but Kamory Doumbia’s effort was just wide of the target.
With the draw, Mali are on the verge of qualifying for the knockout round. They need just a point in their final group game against Namibia to advance.
Meanwhile, 2004 champions Tunisia earned their first point after suffering a shock 1-0 loss to Namibia in their opening match. They still face an uphill task to qualify with South Africa awaiting in their final group stage clash.
Neither side created many clear-cut chances, with both goals coming from the only shots on target for each team on the night. Wayward shooting marred the game for long stretches.
The draw leaves Tunisia in third place on 1 point, while Mali sit second with 4 points behind surprise group leaders Namibia.
