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Ten-Man Mali Stun Tunisia on Penalties to Reach AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

Published

7 months ago

January 4, 2026

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Mali dramatically advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in extra time, despite playing with ten men for most of the Round of 16 clash at the Mohammed V Stadium on Saturday.

The Eagles, reduced to ten players after Woyo Coulibaly’s straight red card in the 26th minute for a lunging tackle on Hannibal Mejbri, looked destined for elimination when substitute Firas Chaouat headed Tunisia ahead in the 88th minute from Elias Saad’s cross.

However, in a frantic finish, Yassine Meriah’s handball in the box during stoppage time allowed Lassine Sinayoko to equalize from the penalty spot in the 96th minute, forcing extra time.

With no further goals in the additional 30 minutes, the match went to penalties. Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero, saving shots from Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. El Bilal Touré slotted home the decisive kick after Ali Abdi skied his effort, sealing a 3-2 shootout victory.

Mali captain Yves Bissouma and Nene Dorgeles missed for the Eagles in the shootout, but Diarra’s saves proved pivotal in one of the tournament’s most thrilling encounters.

The result sets up a blockbuster West African quarter-final showdown between Mali and defending champions Senegal, who earlier dispatched Sudan 3-1 in Tangier.

Senegal, led by braces from Pape Gueye and a late strike from teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, will face Mali on January 9 at the Grand Stade de Tangier.

Mali coach Eric Chelle praised his side’s resilience: “Playing with ten men for so long and coming back like that shows the character in this team. We’re ready for Senegal—it’s going to be a tough battle.

“Tunisia, who dominated possession but struggled to break down Mali’s defensive setup, exit the tournament after a frustrating campaign, having won only one group-stage match.

The 2025 AFCON, hosted in Morocco, continues with more Round of 16 fixtures on Sunday, including hosts Morocco against Tanzania. The quarter-finals promise intense matchups as the race for the title heats up.

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NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards

NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.

Published

3 days ago

August 14, 2026

OCHEFA

44 Views

The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.

The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.

Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.

Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.

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Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop

The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.

Published

6 days ago

August 11, 2026

OCHEFA

87 Views

•Faith Alayande

A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.

In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.

Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.

The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.

“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”

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Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son

A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.

Published

6 days ago

August 11, 2026

OCHEFA

80 Views

• Joseph Ezeokafor

Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.

Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.

Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.

Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.

His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.

“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.