A well-struck Ibrahima Kone penalty early in the second half saw Mali edge Tunisia one-nil in the opening group F match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Limbe in Cameroon.

The teams were evenly matched in the tie, however, Tunisia will rue missed chances, especially from their play-making number ten Wahbi Khazri.

Mali finished the match with ten men after having a player red-carded late in the encounter, and then the match descended into chaos as the referee blew for full time with time seemingly still on the clock.

Mali pocketed the three points as they prepare for the Gambia next, while Tunisia have to face Mauritania in their second match.