Mali crashes out of U-20 World Cup

One of Africa’s representatives in the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey, Mali on Friday evening crashed out following their 4-1 bashing by Mexico in their final Group D match in Gaziantep.
The Young Eagles finished bottom of the group and suffered elimination, while Mexico could still qualify for the round of 16 as one of the best four third-placed sides in the first phase.
Mali got off to the worst possible start when goalkeeper Germain Berthe attempted a second-minute clearance that travelled straight to Marco Bueno.
The Mexican attacker controlled the ball with his right foot, before shooting into an unguarded net with his left to make it 1-0.
Just over ten minutes later, Mexico doubled their advantage with ‘keeper Berthe once again at fault. From a free-kick he allowed the diminutive Jesus Corona to place a looping header into the back of the net.
Mali, despite finding themselves 2-0 down, actually dominated possession for most of the first half, but their attack lacked a cutting edge and El Tri goalkeeper Richard Sanchez was rarely called into action.
Just past the hour mark Mali gave themselves a lifeline, with Sambi Diallo’s long range volley creeping into the back of the net via the goalkeeper’s hands and the inside of the post. At 2-1, the Young Eagles were back in the fight.
And they nearly made it 2-2 in the 69th minute, only for Traore to have his effort cleared off the line by a combination of the goalkeeper and a defender when it seemed inevitable that he would score.
Mexico then stunned Mali on a counter attack in the 70th minute, with Jesus Escoboza firing a low, left-footed shot past the goalkeeper to make it 3-1 and effectively end the match as a contest.
The North Americans added to their advantage late on, with substitute Uvaldo Luna finding the back of the net for 4-1.