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Mali to play U17 World Cup final for the first time

Xinhua, November 6, 2015 Adjust font size:

For the first time in its history Mali will play the final of FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Belgium with a 3-1 score on Thursday, the tournament's official website reported.

Mali and Belgium faced each other at La Portada Stadium, in La Serena, Chile, where the 2015 edition of the competition is being held.

Between the creative anarchy of Mali and the tactic order of Belgium, the beginning of the game was very even. But ironically, when Mali seemed to be dominating, Belgian Dante Rigo received a good ball from Jorn Vancamp and scored the first goal at minute 16.

But later the Belgian squad slowed down. On the contrary, Mali became stronger and took advantage of the rival. Boubcacar Traore scored Mali's first goal at minute 22.

Belgium tried again to take control of the game and had other opportunities to score but failed and on the second half, goalkeeper Jens Teunckens failed to stop the shot of Sidiki Maiga, who scored Mali's second goal at minute 56.

Seku Koita was in charge of scoring the third goal of the African team at minute 85.

With this result, Mali will play Chile 2015 U-17 World Cup final on Sunday Nov.8 against the winner of the game between Mexico and Nigeria. The losing team will play against Belgium to define third place also on Sunday. Both games will be played in Vina del Mar. Endi