U17WC: 3-star Mali pound South American giant Argentina to finish third

Mali’s national under-17 team finished third at the ongoing 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup after a stunning performance against one of the favourites for the title Argentina. 

The West Africans faced the formidable South Americans but came out unscathed following a shocking and resounding 3-0 win in the third-place game on Friday. 

Argentina was the favourite heading into the bronze medal clash but from the blast of the whistle to the final, the Malians were clear with their intentions and never looked back.

Known for their football legacy, Argentina was second-best against the Hamdiou Makalou-inspired Mali.

Makalou was a handful for Argentina from start to finish after he contributed two of the three goals against the South Americans.

He assisted the second goal after Ibrahim Diarra’s ninth-minute opener and wrapped up proceedings by netting the third goal, the best of the three goals from Mali.

It was no less than Mali following a convincing and dominant performance against the dull Argentina.

Mali attempted 33 shots, with 15 of them on target while they also created five big chances compared to zero for the South Americans.

A complete performance that will make not just Malians happy but the entire African continent. 

The celebrations at full-time were as gracious and deserved as the Malians revered in their remarkable achievement - leaving Indonesia with a medal, albeit a bronze.