France Goes to U-17 World Cup Final After Beating Mali

Solo – France U17’s have reached the final of the U-17 World Cup in Indonesia after beating Mali 2-1 in the semi-final on Tuesday at Manahan Stadium, Solo. 

Les Blues who won the U-17 European Championships are back in another major final. It wasn't plain sailing for France in the semi-final. They trailed due to an Ibrahim Diarra goal late in first-half injury time. 

It was only after Souleymane Sanogo’s red card in the 55th minute that the game turned on its head.

Just one minute later, Yvann Titi levelled the score, heading in at the back-post from the free-kick that resulted from Sanogo’s red before Ismail Bouneb gave France the lead in the 69th minute. 

Despite Mali hitting the bar in the dying moments, France held their lead and booked their place in Saturday’s final where they will face Germany, who beat Argentina on penalties.

France will be looking to finish the tournament on a high after what has been a disrupted week for the team. Yanis Issoufou’s presence in the team, having already represented Niger in a qualifying competition, threw Les Blues participation in doubt. 

The player has since been provisionally suspended by FIFA, but the threat of expulsion has gone. France can now focus on matters on the pitch and on securing their second major trophy in two years.

Lineup

France U-17: Paul Argney; Yvan Titi, Bastien Meupiyou, Joachim Kayi Sanda, Aymen Sadi, Ismail Bouneb (Arthur Tchaptchet 90+2'), Fode Sylla (Nolan Ferro 90+2'), Mathis Amougou, Nhoa Sangui (Tidiane Diallo 46'), Mathis Lambourde, Tidiam Gomis.

Mali U-17: Bourama Kone; Moussa Traore (Moussa Massire Diop 77'), Souleymane Sanogo, Issa Traore, Baye Coulibaly (Ousmane Thiero 87'), Hamidou Makalou, Sekou Kone, Ange Martial Tia (Gaoussou Kone 60'), Ibrahim Diarra (Mamadou Doumbia 60'), Ibrahim Kanate, Mahamoud Barry.