Mali Humbles Iraq to Book a Place in the Quarter-Finals

African World Cup U-17 representatives, Mali humbled Iraq with a 5-1 win to book a place in the quarter-finals at the on-going 2017 Under-17 World Cup in India.

Hadji Drame put Mali ahead in the 25th minute in a half that was dominated by the U-17 African Champions. Lassana N’Diaye doubled the lead 33 minutes into the game when he headed Traore’s cross taking his tally to four goals.

The third goal went straight into the roof of the net after Fode Konate struck past the Iraqi goalkeeper. At this point, Mali was sure of going through to the next round but didn’t stop attacking, taking more chances on goal.

Ali Kareem scored Iraq’s consolation goal in the 85^th minute, but Mali added two more in the 87^th minute through Seme Camara and in the 90+4 coming from Ndiaye’s second of the night to take the score to 5-1.

Mali who will take on either Ghana or Niger in the quarter-finals in Guwahati on Saturday, have been ruthless in this year’s World Cup with pundits already tipping them to win this year’s edition having lost the last final to Nigeria.

They now wait for the winner between Ghana and Niger today in what will be an all African quarterfinal showdown. A win for the Black Starlets will give a repeat of the mouthwatering African U-17 finals where Mali beat Ghana 1-0 to take the title.

CO-AUTHOR: Daphine Kamurungi

Featured Photo: FIFA