Mali has confidently secured its place in the semi-finals, while Sierra Leone has successfully regained its momentum at the end of the second day of the UFOA A U17 Tournament in Group B, held on Saturday, October 26, at the Lat Dior Stadium in Thiès.
From Group A, host Senegal became the first team to reach the semi-finals after back-to-back victories over Liberia and the Gambia on Tuesday and Friday, respectively.
In their second tie, Sierra Leone defeated Mauritania with a 1-0 victory. Captain Alie Kabia, who was named Man of the Match, netted the winning goal in stoppage time of the first half (45+2 minutes).
In the day’s second match, the Malian Eaglets showcased their prowess by overcoming Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus with a late goal. Ibrahim Diakité brought on just minutes earlier, received a brilliant pass from Seydou Dembélé at the edge of the penalty area and scored the decisive goal with a stunning shot from outside.
With two victories in two matches, Mali has emphatically validated its advancement to the semi-finals. Seydou Dembélé has also claimed the title of Man of the Match for the second consecutive time in the clash between Guinea Bissau and Mali.
The third and final day of Group B will take place on Tuesday, October 29, starting at 4 p.m. Mali will face Mauritania at the Lat Dior Stadium, while Guinea Bissau will take on Sierra Leone at the Annex of the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio.
Mali currently sits at the top of the standings with 6 points and a goal difference of +2. Sierra Leone holds second place with 3 points, and Guinea Bissau and Mauritania are tied for third, each with 1 point.
