FIFA U17 World Cup: Mali Thrash Mexico to Reach Quarter Final in Indonesia

• Mali have beaten Mexico at the FIFA U17 World Cup
• The West Africans are through to the quarter-final of the competition
• Mali will next face the winner of the match between Iran and Morocco

Mali are through to the last eight of the FIFA U17 World Cup after thrashing Mexico 5-0 in the round of 16 clash on Tuesday at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Indonesia.

The rampant Young Eagles tore apart El Tri in a majestic first-half display that saw them scoring four unanswered goals before the break.

Mahamoud Barry scored a quick-fire brace in the space of four minutes before Ibrahim Diarra extended the lead after just 15 minutes.

Eight minutes before half-time, Ibrahim Kanate scored from the spot as Mali cruised into the break with a healthy lead.

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Five minutes after the break, Ange Martial Tia completed the mauling with a fine finish.

The West African nation is chasing a first World Cup success at the U17 level and will now face the winner of the game between Morocco and Iran in the quarter-final.

Morocco will engage Iran later today, while Africa's other representative, Senegal, will play France on Wednesday.

Ghana and Nigeria are the only two nations from Africa to win the FIFA U17 World Cup.

Senegal, Morocco and Mali reach knockout stage

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that after 36 exhilarating games at the group stage of the FIFA U17 World Cup in Indonesia, three African teams advanced to the knockout stage, with only Burkina Faso failing to make it to the second round.

African champions Senegal cruised into the elimination stage after just their second game in the competition and are joined by Morocco and Mali as the continent's representatives.

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The Atlas Cubs impressively finished Group A on top with two wins, while Mali and Senegal were runners-up in Group B and D respectively.

Bissouma names Salah and Mane as idols

Sports Brief also reported that Yves Bissouma disclosed that Mane and Salah have had a huge influence on his career since moving to England.

The Mali midfielder first faced Mane and Salah in a Premier League game during his time with Brighton and Hove Albion.

Bissouma, who now plies his trade with Tottenham Hotspur, had moved to England from French Ligue 1 side Lille in 2018.