By Austin Oduor,

Africa recorded the first Victory in the ongoing FIFA U20 world cup in New Zealand. This was courtesy of Mali who comfortably beat nine man Mexico 2-0 in an ill tempered match staged at the Otago stadium in the city of Dunedin.

After a goalless first half which was balanced, drama began in the second half when Mali were reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute. German referee Felix Zwayer flashed his red card to Hamidou Maiga after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.

Mexico’s numerical edge over Mali only lasted for nine minutes as substitute Diego Gama was   shown a straight red in the 65th minute of the game. Mexico’s misery continued to pile when Oscar Bernad was sent off after receiving a second yellow card reducing the North American’s to nine.

With the numerical advantage, Adama Traore opened the score sheet in the 76th minute before Gkable Dreudonne doubled the lead 3 minutes later to effectively seal 3 points for the Africans.

Mali plays Serbia in Dunedin on Wednesday 3rd June. The other African team, Ivory Coast lost 2-1 to England.

Mexico: R. Gudino, K. Gutierrez, O. Bernal, V. Guzman, E. Gutierrez, H. Lozano, G. Martinez (D. Gama 46′), A. Diaz (R. Gonzalez 69′), J. Ramirez (O. Pineda 46′), C. Arreola, E. Aguirre
Booked: O. Bernal 39′, E. Gutierrez 58′, E. Agguire 76′
Sent off: D. Gama 65′, O. Bernal 67′

Mali: Djigui, S. Diarra (L. Konate 81′), Y. Kone, I. Diarra, H. Maiga, D. Samassekou, M. Toure (S. Coulibaly 62′), A. Doumbia, A. Diallo, Dieudonne, A. Traore
Goals: A. Traore 76′, Dieudonne 79′
Booked: D. Samassekou 33′, H. Maiga 51′ + 56′
Sent off: H. Maiga 56′

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