In a match where Tunisia started better, but without finding the fault despite a few situations, it was the Malian striker Lassine Sinayoko who unlocked the counter in the (9th ^min ) for the Eagles. The action started from the Malian defense, the ball reached Sinayoko outside the 18m. He attempts a successful incursion on the left side, overtakes two defenders between whom he inserts himself, and connects a cross shot. The ball hits the right post and enters the Tunisian goals. The shot is unstoppable for the Carthage Eagles goalkeeper. (1-0) for Mali.

Tunisia responds in the 19th ^minute with a cross from Ali Al-Abdi headed by Msakni. The ball follows a strange trajectory and is close to going in, but Malian defender Kouyaté pushes it away for a corner. A minute later, on a new tumble from Ali Al-Abdi  from the left wing followed by a cross, Hamza Rafia, who arrives launched, gets ahead of the entire Malian defense, and reaches out to equalize at (1-1 ).

Nobody then gains the upper hand in the game. The initiatives of both sides follow one another, without either team having a big opportunity. The defenses took precedence over the attacks.

The 2 teams return to the locker rooms with a score of 1-1. Mali dominated in possession with 60% against 40 for the Tunisians. In terms of chances, the teams are almost tied. Mali had 3 shots for 1 on target, which resulted in the goal. Tunisia for its part had 4 shots for one on target.

Mali dominates but Tunisia defends well

The first clear opportunity of the second period comes at (50 ^min ). Kamory Doumbia on a crazy run of more than 40 m, plays all the Tunisian defenders, but narrowly misses the target with an outside foot. Mali dominates the rest of the match, with successive offensives; but the vigilant Tunisian defense does not concede any chances. It was then in the 78th ^minute that there was another notable opportunity. Sinayoko, very determined, receives a cross from Hamari Traoré but the ball flies over the crossbar.

Tunisia, which decided to wait for the Malians, finally got an opportunity on a counterattack in the 79th minute ^. But the shot attempted at the end of the action, following a feint on a defender, was blocked at the last minute by a Malian foot.