In a match without suspense, Mali enforced logic by clearly winning against Congo (3-0) on Thursday and obtained their double ticket for the semi-finals of the CAN U17 and the final phase of the FIFA Cup. category world.
🇲🇱 🦅 ➡️ #U17FWC
Mali secure their qualification to the U17 FIFA World Cup after booking their spot in the 2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 semi-finals 🔝 pic.twitter.com/qPASzK3QSd
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 (@CAF_Online) May 11, 2023
As favorites, the Malians offered themselves the first chance of the match. Mahmoud Barry, in particular, overflowed to the left and saw his center die in the Bonazebi gangs (2e). After a small territorial domination of the Diablotins, the Aiglonnets resumed the match on their own thanks in particular to Souleymane Sanogo who solicited Bonazebi on a deflected shot for a corner (5e). A slight highlight rewarded by the goal of Ange Martial Tia. Found in the heart of the Congolese defense on a pass from Mamadou Doumbia, the midfielder rolled his shot perfectly into the small net of Bonazebi (1-0, 8e).
Following the opener, Soumaïla Coulibaly’s men left the leather to their opponents but kept control of the game. Unfortunately for her, Fabrizio Cesana’s formation was not sharp. Like a few wasted opportunities, notably by Joseph Ndzoukou whose sudden shot went off target (19e) and Ayel Nzouzi who misused a well-placed free kick (21e).
The iron defense of Mali
Alerted by Congolese who were trying to rebalance the debates, the Malians regained possession of the leather and again threatened. Ibrahim Diarra first unscrewed his strike (22e) then Mahamoud Barry was narrowly caught by Nzouzi in the penalty area (28e). The double African champions were finally going to make the break through Mamadou Doumbia. Served by Mahmoud Barry, the center-forward turned into a scorer and achieved a great collective action (2-0, 31e). Much livelier than these evening opponents, he insisted in the left lane just a few moments later but was flagged offside (41e).
Cornered on returning from the locker room, the Devils were going to give in for the third time in the match on a new opposing offensive. Makouangou was guilty of a hand in the area and the referee designated the penalty spot. Mahmoud Barry was in charge of the sentence and brought the score to 3-0 (56e). Discreet throughout the match, goalkeeper Bourama Koné shone at the end of the game by repelling a penalty (90e+7) and allowed Mali to keep their clean sheets in the tournament.
Mali is therefore the third qualified for the semi-finals after the Senegal and Morocco. The Aiglonnets will challenge the Lion cubs of the Atlas, fallers of Algeriafor a place in the final.
Lineups of Mali-Congo
Mali 🆚 Congo
Here are the formations today in Annaba. 🇲🇱🇨🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 | #MLICGO pic.twitter.com/uRXyWN1G6G
— #TotalEnergiesAFCONU17 2023 🏆 – FR (@caf_online_FR) May 11, 2023
