U17 World Cup: Mali beat Argentina to win bronze

Mali secured the bronze medal on Friday, bouncing back from their semi-final setback against France in the U17 World Cup. In the third-place match against Argentina, Mali emerged victorious with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. The Eaglets dominated the game, and Hamidou Makalou’s goal, reminiscent of Messi’s style, stood out as a highlight.

Staying true to their style, Mali initiated the match with a strong start, pressuring the Argentinians high up the pitch.

Mamadou Doumbia created an early opportunity, receiving a cross from the right and delivering a right-footed curler that forced Jeremías Florentín to make a full-stretch save, resulting in a corner (6′).

Doumbia had another chance moment later, but his shot went wide of the target (8′).

Captain Ibrahim Diarra extended Mali’s lead in the 9th minute with a skillful chest control and a left-footed curling shot, courtesy of Sékou Koné’s cross (0-1). This marked Diarra’s fifth goal in the tournament.

However, the advantage was short-lived, as Bourama Koné faced challenges in defense.

Sékou Koné had a close attempt hitting the left-hand post of Florentín (16′). After Argentina’s first shot, B.

Koné showcased his goalkeeping skills (31′), and Mamadou Doumbia tested Florentín with a powerful shot that the Talleres U20 keeper handled in two stages (38′).

At the end of the first half, Bourama Koné, the 1.92m giant, headed in Makalou’s cross to secure his fourth goal of the tournament (0-2, 45′).

Just three minutes into the second half, Doumbia, the holding midfielder, transformed into a scorer with his fourth goal in the competition.

His Messi-esque solo effort left the Argentinian fans in disbelief as he dribbled past defenders and the goalkeeper before calmly slotting the ball into an empty net (0-3, 48′).