Stade Rennais Online

International, U20: Mali on the brink of elimination

3 August 2011 à 22h45

By losing to Colombia, yesterday evening in Bogota (0-2), Cheick Fantamady Diarra’a Mali has about bid farewell to the U20 World Cup. It would take a massive combination of circumstances for Mali to reach the round of 16.

Once again included in the starting line-up, the new Rennes striker had the best opportunity of his team, blasting a twenty-five meter shot in the goal’s corner. Not enough to beat the Colombian goalkeeper, author of a good save. During the game however, Mali were left suffocating under the pressure of Colombia, who scored a goal in each half.

For Mali, a success against France would be the only way to hope for qualification. France bounced back after their first defeat by beating South Korea (3-1) a few hours earlier.