FIFA Under-17 World Cup: Mali trounce New Zealand 3-1

Runners-up in the previous edition, Mali defeated New Zealand 3-1 in a Group B match to secure their spot in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 World Cup here on Thursday.

Though New Zealanders managed to open their account in the second half by substitute Charles Spragg's header, it was the Eaglets who dominated most of the match with their repeated attacks.

With this win, Mali finished second behind leaders Paraguay, while the Young All Whites miss out on the knock-out spot with just one point in their kitty after three games.

The Eaglets didn't take time before launching attack on New Zealand goal, hitting the post twice in the first quarter. Salam Jiddou's 18th minute strike from the top corner broke the deadlock. Jiddou benefited from Djemoussa Traore back pass but was brilliant in finishing.

In fact, Traore kept troubling the New Zealanders from the left side throughout first half. But he was rewarded five minutes after the lemon break when his curling kick deceived NZ custodian Zac Jones before hitting the far corner of the net.

With a comfortable 2-0 lead under their belt, Mali let their defence loose and committed more players on attack. That gave the Young All Whites an opportunity to halve the deficit in the 72nd minute. However, their hopes of making any comeback ended soon with Lassana N'Diaye scored his third goal of the tournament with just eight minutes left on the clock.