Guwahati: Underdogs Mali remained the last team standing from Africa as they prevailed over Ghana 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup here Saturday. However, with incessant rains hammering down at the venue, the match lacked flair and spark.
Hadji Drame (15th minute) and Djemoussa Traore (61st) scored for Mali, while Kudus Mohammed (70th) reduced the margin for Ghana at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium here.
Last edition’s runners-up Mali started on an attacking note with Lassana N’diaye finding the ball at his feet in a dangerous position on two different occasions, but Ghana’s defence was equal to the task.
However, Mali’s constant forays finally helped them open their account when Drame put them ahead with a beautiful strike, giving Ghana goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim no chance. This was Drame’s third goal in the competition.
Mali doubled the lead, quite deservingly so, in the 61st minute through Traore. A gaffe by Danlad, who raced off his line to make a clearance, ended up handling Traore’s shot into his own net.
There was a glimmer of hope for Ghana when Mohammed converted a penalty after Sadiq Ibrahim was felled by Fode Konate. Having struggled to come to terms with the conditions for a major part of the game, Ghana, in search of the equaliser, showed urgency in the last 20 minutes of regulation time. However, the Mali defence held firm.
Press Trust of India
