U-20 World cup: Ghana out after 3-0 loss to Mali
Mali U20 team have booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Fifa U20 World Cup after crushing the 2009 champions 3-0 in the round of 16 on Wednesday.
Ghana U20 team were handed a 3-0 drubbing by Mali in the round of 16 of the Fifa U20 World Cup in New Zealand on Wednesday.
Coach Sellas Tetteh could not repeat his record of at least reaching the semi-finals of the youth tournament as he watched Mali brush aside his charges in the all-African affair at the Wellington Stadium.
The Black Satellites qualified to the knockout stage after topping Group B with seven points while Mali booked their place as one of the best third-placed teams.
Tetteh made three changes to his side that pipped Panama 1-0 in the last group game. Inter Allies left-back Patrick Kpozo replaced suspended Patrick Asmah, while Asiedu Attobrah was benched for Osei Barnes and Emmanuel Boateng, who scored the winner against Panama, replaced Benjamin Tetteh.
After an uninspiring ten minutes, Ghana had an opportunity near the post when Clifford Aboagye played through Samuel Afful, but the midfielder’s effort went too comfortable for the Malian goalkeeper.
A minute later, Mali took the lead when Diadie Samassekou, after linking a through pass from Dieudeonne Gbakli, unleashed his finish that found the back of the net.
The junior Eagles were on top of proceedings after their opener and almost claimed a double three minutes later when Soulama Diarra forced a breathtaking save from Ghanaian goalkeeper Ati-Zigi.
Emmanuel Boateng was presented with Ghana’s glorious opportunity to pull level but the Rio Ave striker shot straight at the goalkeeper to bring the first half to an end.
Mali returned from the break with Dieudeonne Gbakli turning from a provider to double his side’s lead in the 53rd minute. The Malian outpaced two defenders before sending a powerful volley that struck under the crossbar before dropping inside the net to hand Mali a 2-0 lead.
Coach Tetteh brought on Asiedu Attobtah for Osei Barnes before Stephen Tetteh and Emmanuel Boateng were replaced with Benjamin Tetteh and David Atanga but the substitutions never yielded results.
Aboubacar Doumbia added to Ghana’s misery after breaking loose to lob his effort over onrushing goalkeeper Ati-Zigi nine minutes from fulltime.
Mali will face the winner between Germany and African champions Nigeria in the quarterfinals next Sunday.
Credit: Goal.com
