Bamako, Mali – (African Boulevard News) – The TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) saw an exciting match between the holder Cameroon and Mali. In a stunning finish, Mali managed to score two late goals to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
The match between Cameroon and Mali was highly anticipated, with Cameroon looking to defend their title and Mali hoping to make their mark in the tournament. Both teams started off strong, but neither could find the back of the net in the first half.
In the second half, Cameroon came close to scoring multiple times, but the Mali goalkeeper kept them at bay. The game looked set to end in a goalless draw until Mahamoud Barry scored in the 86th minute, breaking the deadlock and giving Mali the lead.
Cameroon tried to push for an equalizer but were caught out in stoppage time when Mamadou Doumbia scored a screamer from outside the box, putting the game beyond Cameroon’s reach.
The victory marked a memorable moment for Mali who have now secured a spot in the quarter-finals of the tournament. It was also a shock to Cameroon who were expected to win, but ultimately fell short in the end.
Mali coach, Nouhoum Diane, praised his team’s performance, saying, “We had a game plan, and the players executed it perfectly. We knew we had to be patient and wait for our chances. I am proud of my players for their hard work and determination.”
The win for Mali puts them in a good position to progress further in the tournament. They will face off against the winner of Group B in the quarter-finals, so the team must maintain their momentum if they hope to advance.
The TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations has been an exciting tournament so far, with plenty of upsets and surprises. Mali’s victory over Cameroon is just another example of the unpredictable nature of the game.
In conclusion, Mali’s impressive performance in the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations has caught the attention of many. As the tournament progresses, fans and experts will be watching closely to see if Mali can continue to defy the odds and make it all the way to the final.