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Mali, the 2015 runners-up, were left stunned as South American dark horses Paraguay emerged with a 3-2 win in the Group B match of U-17 World Cup at the DY Patil stadium in Nerul yesterday
Mali's Mohamed Camara tries the bicycle kick against Paraguay in the U-17 World Cup match at the DY Patil Stadium in Nerul yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
Mali, the 2015 runners-up, were left stunned as South American dark horses Paraguay emerged with a 3-2 win in the Group B match of U-17 World Cup at the DY Patil stadium in Nerul yesterday.
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Mali's Mohamed Camara tries the bicycle kick against Paraguay in the U-17 World Cup match at the DY Patil Stadium in Nerul yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera
It was mouth-watering entertainment for the sizeable number of fans present as both teams were relentless in attack. The African champions were stunned in the 12th minute. Paraguay midfielder Julio Baez's free kick was comfortably punched by Mali goalkeeper Youssouf Koita. The same custodian, who kept three clean chits in five games during the Africa Cup of Nations this year, was left watching the ball when Paraguay's Antonio Galeano launched a screamer for goal.
Five minutes later, as The Eagles were still coming to terms with the setback, Paraguay capitalised on a defensive lapse by midfielder Salam Giddou in their own half. Leonardo Sanchez won the ball and with a brilliant turn to his left, shot it for a goal near the post. In the 20th minute, Mali justified their favourites tag in the tournament when Giddou dribbled past two defenders to give an assist to Hadji Drame, who unleashed a volley into the net.
Mali ensured the scores were tied in the 34th minute when Djemoussa Traore displayed blistering pace from the left flank. He found Lassana Ndiaye, who netted the ball past the 'keeper. In the 55th minute, Malian defender Diaby was fouled and Alan Rodrgiuez made no mistake to score from the spot.
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