U-17: Mali defeat South Africa to win African Youth Championships

CAF U17 Championship Final
Result: South Africa 0-2 Mali
Date: 1 March 2015
Venue: General Seyni Kountche Stadium
South Africa lost 2-0 to Mali in the final of the U17 African Junior Championship on Sunday evening.

The opening exchanges proved to a cagey affair, as both sides were just happy to feel each other out and had the occasional long range effort at goal.

Amajimbos goalkeeper, Mondli Mpoto, had to be alert throughout the first half, as he rushed off his line to clear the ball on a couple occasions.

Chances were hard to come by in the opening 45 minutes, although Mali's Sekou Koita had a go from distance but his strike sailed just wide the target.

Mali went on the attack shortly after the halftime break but Boubacar Traore blazed an effort wide from close range.

And it was Baye Ba's charges who broke the deadlock in the 67th minute, as Siaka Bagayoko headed home from a corner kick, after some poor marking by the South Africans.

Mpoto came to Amajimbos' rescue 10 minutes later, the shot-stopper pulled off a fine save to deny Maiga from close range.

Mali sealed the win in the 78th minute courtesy of a curling effort from Aly Malle, which left Mpoto with no chance.

Amajimbos did have the ball in the back of the net in the 87th minute, however Khanyisa Mayo was flagged for offside, as Mali went on to lift the African Youth Championship trophy.

Meanwhile, Guinea claimed the bronze medal earlier in the day, after they defeated the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria 3-1.

Here's how they lined up:
Amajimbos Starting XI: Mpoto; Ngcobo; Frosler; Mohamme; Mukumela; Dlala; Meyiwa; Maluleke (c), Mbatha; Mkatshana; Mayo

Mali: Traore, Dante, Bagayoko, Sangare, I. Traore, Mamadou Fofana, Koita, Malle. Maiga, B. Traore