By Austin Oduor Otieno,
Mali U20 beat Senegal U20 in the plays offs to settle for the third position in an all African match played at the North Habour stadium in Auckland.
The first real chance for either team came in the 12th minute when Malian defender Aboubacar Doumbia chipped a ball over the defender and also over the crossbar, Senegal had a similar chance 10 minutes later but both teams were struggling to get an opener.
Mali had met Senegal in the same stage at the African U20 championship where Senegal prevailed beating Mali 2-1 with Mousa Kone scoring a brace and Senegal’s Allasane Diallo scoring the consolation.
The first half ended in a barren draw but just at the stroke of Half time, Senegal’s Mousa Ba received his second yellow card and was sent off leaving them with 10 men
On resumption it was Senegal who was better despite being one man down and their resilience paid off when Ibrahima Wadji opened the score sheet to put the Senegalese ahead in the 64th minute. However 10 minutes later Mali changed their tactics and looked very dangerous. Lyon defender Adama Traore equalized in the 74th minute with a stunning shot arguable the tournaments best goal and quickly put the Malians ahead with his second similar shot in the 83rd minute.
Senegal had the opportunity to level the match and force a possible extra time but Malick Niang’s penalty was saved. Diadie Samassekou completed the rout in the 90th minute and beyond reach of the Senegalese to grab the Bronze.
Brazil and Serbia will meet in the final match
