In the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in India, the title of the African challenge will now be on the right-wing gardener. In the quarter-finals, Mali has defeated Ghana 2-1 in the semifinals on Saturday. The Mali will be competing against the winner of the quarter-finals played between Spain and Iran in the semi-finals.
In spite of slipping on the field in the rain-fed match at the Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, the Mali players showed a tremendous game. Hadiji Dram (15th minute), Jamusa Terore (61) scored for Mali while Kudas Mohammad reduced the gap in defeat in the 70th minute for Ghana.
Read: FIFA U-17 WC: Spain reached the final eight in the last minute with a thrilling goal
The last time runners-up Mali started aggressively in the match. Laasana made good efforts on two occasions, but the defender's line in Ghana failed their efforts. Mali got the advantage of his aggressive stages when Hadeji Dram scored his third goal in the tournament and made Mali 1-0 ahead.
Two-time Champion Ghana's team had to face more trouble playing in the slippery field. Mali's team was also struggling, but he arranged harmony according to the situation. Mali was ahead of a goal at the time of the interval.
Mali doubled his lead in the 61st minute with the help of Torrera. The player of the defender's line turned round on Ghana with Donald's mistake. Ghana hoped to match at the time when Qudas scored on penalties. In the last 20 minutes, Ghana made efforts, but they were unsuccessful.
Read: FIFA U-17 WC: Iran beat quarterfinals in quarterfinals
The encouragement of its supporters in the audience gallery could not motivate Ghana more. In the first half, Ghanaian ibrahit Sule had entangled the ball into the net, but it was declared invalid by the referee. This match is a repeat of Under-17 Africa Cup. Even then the Mali team was successful in defeating Ghana.
