Guwahati, Oct 21:
Mali remained the last team standing from Africa as they prevailed over Ghana 2-1 in a FIFA U-17 World Cup quarterfinal match played amid uninterrupted rain that caused waterlogging here today.
Hadji Drame (15th minute) and Djemoussa Traore (61st) scored for Mali, while Kudus Mohammed (70th) reduced the margin for Ghana at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
Last edition’s runners-up 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.
On the lookout for a goal, Mali were rewarded for their attacking play when Drame put them ahead with a beautiful strike, giving Ghana goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim no chance.
This was Drame’s third goal in the competition.
While two-time former champions Ghana struggled to play their natural game in te puddles of water, Mali seemed to thrive in these conditions and went into half time with a one-goal advantage.
Mali doubled the lead, quite deservingly so, in the 61st minute through Traore. A gaffe by Danlad, who raced off his line to make a clearance, ended up handling Traore’s shot into his own net.(PTI)
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