Hamza Rafia’s first-half strike gave 2004 champions Tunisia their first point at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations courtesy of a draw against Mali.
Midfielder Rafia arrived first to send Ali Abdi’s cross squirming in via goalkeeper Djigui Diarra’s body. Mali had gone ahead through Lassine Sinayoko’s drilled opener and are on the brink of reaching the last 16.
Kamory Doumbia almost restored the Eagles’ lead six minutes after the break, stabbing a shot narrowly wide. Jalel Kadri’s players, who suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Namibia in their opening match and play South Africa in their deciding game, are three points behind Mali in third place.
Meanwhile, Eric Chelle’s side will need a maximum of a draw to advance in their final group-stage game against Namibia on Wednesday, although the complexion of Group E will change when the Brave Warriors and Bafana Bafana face each other in their second matches on Sunday.