FIFA U17 World Cup: Mali Off To Perfect Start With 3–0 Win Over New Zealand

FIFA U17 World Cup: Mali Off To Perfect Start With 3–0 Win Over New Zealand

By Admin 

Mali began their FIFA U17 World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating New Zealand 3–0 in their Group L opener on Wednesday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Young Eagles asserted their dominance early, opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Seydou Dembélé calmly finished off a well-worked move assisted by Zoumana Ballo.

After the interval, the pair combined again, this time with Ballo turning scorer in the 55th minute after a clever pass from Dembélé to double Mali’s advantage. Substitute Njicoura Bomba then sealed the victory in the 78th minute, finishing confidently after Ibrahim Diakité’s fine build-up play.

Mali’s fluid attacking play, relentless pressing, and superior technical quality overwhelmed the New Zealand side, setting an early marker for their ambitions in the tournament.

Full-time: Mali U17 3–0 New Zealand U17

Goals: Dembélé (17’), Ballo (55’), Bomba (78’)