In the U17 WAFU Zone A quarter-final against Gambia, host nation Mali secured a draw (2-2). Despite this result, Mali qualifies for the tournament semi-finals.
On October 11th, Mali, the host of the U17 WAFU Zone A qualifying tournament, secured their spot in the semi-finals by earning a draw (2-2) against Gambia. After the final matchday of the group stage, Mali finished in 2nd place in Group A with 5 points from 3 matches (1 win and 2 draws).
It was a difficult, fiercely contested match. We knew that Gambia, a team that understands our football and especially needed to score, was facing us. We had a tough start, but a surge of pride allowed us to equalize and, at the same time, score a second goal.
Trailing (1-0) in this quarter-final, Mali found relief in the 70th minute with a penalty converted by Abdoulaye Touré (1-1).
In a full display of strength, Mali, driven by their home crowd, took the lead in the match for the first time thanks to a goal from Aboubacar Maïga in the 81st minute. The Gambian response was swift! In the 85th minute, from a spectacular free kick by Alagie Baba, Gambia leveled the score (2-2).
After every match, we try to correct our mistakes. This is a team that is building itself through this competition. Admittedly, the style of play matters, but the most important thing for us is to secure qualification.
Despite this draw, the Young Eagles qualified for the semi-finals, where they will face the Group B leader. This tournament aims to determine who will secure one of the two qualifying spots for the final phase of the next U17 Africa Cup of Nations.