New Zealand 2015: Mali, Senegal fight on after Flying Eagles exit

Goalkeeper Ibrahima Sy proved a priceless asset in Senegal’s advance into the Quarter-Finals of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup, New Zealand 2015 as he saved three penalties to edge out Ukraine after the sides had played out a one-all game at the end of 120 minutes.

Full time plus 30 minutes of extra time had failed to separate the two nations until Sy conjured his magic to see off the stiff opposition.

Senegal will thus partner Mali (who early on Wednesday trounced a hapless Ghana Black Satellites side 3:0) to do battle for Africa going into the last eight after Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, also highly favoured ahead of the tournament, fell out courtesy a one-nil loss to Germany.

Nigeria’s exit has led to bickering among fans with some pointing fingers at manager Manu Garba’s tactics against the free-scoring Germans.

The Germans will have another African battle to contend with when they confront Mali on Sunday, June 14 in what appears an interesting pairing if what the Malians showed in their demolition of Ghana was anything to go by.

Senegal will also take on Uzbekistan, 2:0 conquerors of Austria. In the other matches, Brazil take on Portugal with USA battling Serbia.