Mali Successfully Defends U-17 AFCON Title

Mali beat Ghana in the final of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon. Ghana who was unchanged going into the final after defeating Niger 6-5 on penalties in the semi-final, put up a more ambitious display with chances coming as early as the third minute, only for Eric Ayiah to send it off target.

Mali was awarded a penalty when Gideon Out fouled Mohammed but Faisal Osman’s penalty kick, was saved and it was Samake who sent in the rebound for the opening and the winning goal of the match.

Danlad Ibrahim, Ghana’s goalkeeper was called into action a few minutes later and managed to keep out the ball with a good diving save to stop a shot Mali attempted from 12 yards out.

Mali came charged in the second half and had a chance to double the lead in the 54^th minute but Samake sent the ball over the crossbar. Miserably for Ghana, the junior Black Stars did not do much to win the game and Mali secured its second title in a row.

Featured photo: CAF