U20 AFCON: Mali Completes Africa Representatives in Poland

Mali completes Africa reps in Poland

By Amaechi Agbo

Mali has completed the Africa's representatives in Poland 2019 FIFA Under 20 World Cup.

The Malians defeated rivals Ghana 1-0 in the ongoing 2019 Africa Youth Championship, in Niamey, Niger Republic.

Hadji Drame scored in 53rd minutes to hand the Malians their precious ticket to Poland.

Senegal came first in Group B with maximum 9 points while Mali were second with 6 points. A draw in the match could have seen Ghana through to Poland as they had 3 points and with no goals before the kickoff.

Mali has now completed the semi-final fixtures for the championship.

The four semi-finalists Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Mali will represent Africa in the 2019 FIFA World Youth Championship holding in Poland.

The first semifinal match between Nigeria and Mali will be played on Wednesday next week by 4:30pm while Senegal and South Africa will tackle each on by 7:30pm.

The final of the 2019 Africa Youth Championship will hold on Sunday, February 17 by 4:30pm.

The 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup will commence on 23 May – 15 June with 24 teams across five confederations participating.

England won the previous tournament in 2017 but will not defend their title after losing 3–0 to Norway in a play-off for the final qualifying place at the 2018 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Finland.

England are the sixth consecutive champions to have failed to qualify for the subsequent U-20 World Cup.

The opening game and final will take place at the Stadion Widzewa in Todz, Poland.