Mali miss out on third place at U-17 World Cup

Lassana N'Diaye (L) of Mali is in action against Victor Chust (2-L) of Spain during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2017 semi final match between Mali and Spain at the D Y Patil Stadium in Mumbai, India, 25 October 2017. EPA/DIVYAKANT SOLANKI

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Oct 28, 2017. 15:36

Mali have finished fourth at the 2017 U-17 World Cup in India after going down 2-0 at the hands of Brazil in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

The match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium in Kolkata was a frustrating one for the Young Eagles, who were unable to impose their physicality against their South Americans.

Yet Mali still created the majority of scoring chances, but the likes of Lassana N’Diaye, Hadji Drame and Djemoussa Traore were repeatedly denied by an excellent showing from Brazil goalkeeper Gabriel Brazao.

The South Americans upped their game in the second half and claimed the ascendancy in the 55th minute, with attacking midfielder Alan Guimaraes getting the better of Youssouf Koita.

Jonas Komla’s side tried to fight back into the contest, but their ambitions were killed off late on when substitute Yuri Alberto added the second goal to complete the score line at 2-0 in favour of Brazil.

The final later this afternoon at the same venue will see England and Spain battle for the right to be called U-17 World Cup champions.

Brazil (0) 2 (Guimaraes 55’, Yuri Alberto 88’)
Mali 0

Brazil: Brazao, Wesley, Vitao, Halter, Weverson, Pereira (Guth 52’), Brenner, Silva Santos, Guimaraes (Nestor 62’), Paulinho, Dos Santos (Yuri Alberto 74’)

Mali: Koita, Konate, Fofana, Haidara, Kane, Drame (Toure 76’), Samake (Doucoure 72’), M. Camara, Giddou (S. Camara 81’), D. Traore, N’Diaye