U17 World Cup: African challenge lives as Mali join Nigeria in quarter-finals

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Africa now has two spots at the quarter-finals of the ongoing U17 World Cup in Chile, after Mali made easy work of Korea DPR with a 3-0 victory.

The game, played at the Estadio Fiscal in Talca saw the African champions advance thanks to Amadou Haidara’s early strike and two goals from Sidiki Maiga.

And so, following in the footsteps of Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico and Belgium on Wednesday, Mali join Ecuador, Costa Rica and Croatia to progress on Thursday, completing the quarter-final line-up.

France were one of the favourites for the tournament, but struggled to break down the resilient Ticos of Costa Rica in 90 minutes, before being beaten on penalties.

Mali have thus booked a date with Croatia, while Brazil face Nigeria.

Results - Round of 16

Croatia 2-0 Germany
Mali 3-0 Korea DPR
Russia 1-4 Ecuador
France 0-0 Costa Rica (3-5 on penalties)

The quarter-final lineup

Croatia - Mali
Belgium - Costa Rica
Ecuador - Mexico
Brazil - Nigeria

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