Under 17 World Cup: Mali Bows To France 1-2

Africa’ hope of reaching this year’s edition of the Under 17 World Cup has crashed with her representative Mali bowing out to France 1-2

France is now to square up Germany in the final on Saturday, after the latter edged out Argentina 4-2 on penalties following a 3-3 draw at regulation time.

The final match is billed for Saturday in the Javan city of Surakarta, Indonesia

The France Mali match saw the African ambassadors taking the lead at injury time, with a goal from its skipper, Ibrahim Diarra.

France however canceled the lead in the 56th minute through a header from Troyes’ Yvann Titi, putting the game back on a higher tempo.

Mali fell into disadvantage with the sending off of one of its players, Souleymane Sanogo after the referee was not pleased with the player’s tackle on Aymen Sadi, on France’s defence line.

Va Ismail Bouneb worsened Mali’s troubles by scoring a free-kick in the 69th minute, a goal that became a real damper on the playing spirit of the Africans.

READ ALSO: Morocco Set To Challenge Real Madrid For 2030 World Cup Final

The referee had to keep the game within control by showing a number of yellow cards.

The Eagle reports that though Africa may have exited the Under 17 World Cup 2023, but it is not doing so head bowed. In fact, Africa is reckoned as one of the most successful zones in the championship.

It has won the tournament seven times, five of those through the Nigerian Under 17 team, and two through Ghana.

It has also finished six times as runner-up.

in its course thus far, the Under 17 World Cup has been a discovery ground for players that go on to become real talents on the global football stage.