Last edition runners-up Mali became the first team to book a semi-final berth in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-1 win over former champions Ghana in the rain affected quarterfinal at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday, reports PTI.
Hadji Drame (15th minute) and Djemoussa Traore (61st) scored for Mali, while Kudus Mohammed (70th) reduced the margin for Ghana.
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.
They were finally rewarded for their attacking play when Drame put them ahead with a beautiful strike, giving Ghana goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim no chance.
Mali, who had defeated Ghana to lift the U-17 African Cup of Nations crown, doubled the lead in the 61st minute through Traore. Danlad raced off his line to make a clearance but ended up deflecting Traore’s shot into his own net.
There was a glimmer of hope for Ghana when Mohammed converted a penalty after Sadiq Ibrahim was brought down by Fode Konate 10 minutes later but Mali held on to their lead to advance to the semifinals.