Mali have successfully defended their CAF U-17 Trophy after recording a 1-0 win over Ghana in the final game on Sunday at the Stade de Libreville.
The Aiglonnets proved to be the better side after they overpowered a hard figting Ghana in a thrilling finale.
The Black Starlets conceeded two penalties in the first half hour of the game.Ibrahim Danlad was equal to the task and saved both of them but the 21st minute one saw Mamadou Samake follow up the ball after later failed to hold it to slot in the all important goal.
Mohammed Kamara and Fode Kanote proved pivotal in the offensive surge with the one of the latter’s cut-back from the byline just failing to get the needed connection from Ag Jiddou.
Moments after Abdoulaye Diaby had sent a surprise shot over the bar, Ghana had the real chance to test Mali’ alertness came at the quarter an hour mark but an abortive cut back attempt from John Otu saw the chance spurned with Youssof Koita gifting from some easiest of pickings.
The first clear-cut chance of the half did occur at Ghana goal and a proper salvo for that as Ibrahim Donald went within inches of conceding from Camara’s curling effort. The keeper was let off the hook after seeing the ball slip out of his grasp, on to the cross bar and back to his grateful hands.
Patience seemed to dying out for Ghana who desperately needed a goal with very passing second and they nearly equalised on the second half,but goalkeeper Youssouf Koita tipped over the sublime free kick.
Hadji Drame concerns and wait were nealy cut short as his compatriot Djemoussa Traore almost extended tge lead but his header went wide.
Ghana did less in response to their trailing as Mali went on with dictating proceedings inside their opponents’ territory.
Mali comfortable flow went all the way to see Aiglonnets who nearly missed participating in the competition due to a Fifa ban.
Mali Starting XI: Youssouf Koita – Mamadi Fofana – Djemoussa Traoré – Fodé Konaté – Abdoulaye Diaby – Ibrahim Kané – Mamadou Samaké – Mohamed Camara (cap) – Abdou Salam Ag Jiddou – Semé Camara – Hadji Dramé !
Ghana Starting XI:Danlad Ibrahim, Najeeb Yakubu, Gideon Acquah, John Out, Abdul Razak Yusif, Faisal Osman, Gabriel Leveh, Mohammed Iddriss, Eric Ayiah (captain), Emmanuel Toku, Rashiid Alhassan
