FIFA U-17 World Cup: Mali Defeat Argentina to Win Bronze

Mali U-17 national team on Friday defeated Argentina 3-0 to finish third in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Manahan in Indonesia.

Ibrahim Diarra, the captain of Mali, opened the score in the ninth minute. Diarra had scored against France in the semifinal, a match that Mali lost 2-1. Just before halftime, Mamadou Doumbia doubled the lead with a well-placed header.

Even though Argentina made an effort to rally in the second half, Hamidou Makalou’s goal three minutes in virtually ended the game.

The Albiceleste placed fourth for the third time in the competition’s history (2001, 2013, 2023). They captured the attention of many with their convincing victory over fierce rival Brazil.

The Malians had a decent run during the World Cup after finishing second in Group B behind Spain. The young Eagles later went on to trash Mexico 5-0 in the round of 16 before narrowly edging out their African counterparts, Morocco, 1-0 in the quarterfinals.