U17 World Cup: the 3 Aiglons who carried Mali
During the U17 World Cup, Sport News Africa picked out 3 players who stood out in the competition
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Ibrahim Diarra (16, right winger)
The whole football world was waiting to see 15-year-old Senegalese Amara Diouf, but it is Ibrahim Diarra who has lit up the screens with his talent. He is leaving his mark on this U17 World Cup. His record is startling: 3 goals and 3 assists. Ibrahima Diarra is the 2nd most creative player in the competition, with 5 chances created, behind Brazil's Estevao (6). The scorer of the decisive goal against Morocco that sent the Aiglons into the semi-finals, he stands out for his leadership and his desire to go all the way, even if the opponent is France. "First of all, I want to dedicate this victory to the Malian people. We are happy, we are focused on our objectives (...) Against France? Yes, that's normal. But we are Mali", he said after the previous match.
Read more on the same subject: U17 World Cup: the full schedule and results
Mamadou Doumbia (17, striker)
He is certainly the player with the most potential in the Mali squad. A hat-trick scorer in the first game against Uzbekistan, Mamadou Doumbia was sent off on the 2nd matchday of the group stage against Spain. Even though Mali have kept performing well going forward at this U17 World Cup, head coach Soumaila Coulibaly will be able to count on his striker, who returns against France on Tuesday 28 November. Undoubtedly, an early Christmas present.
Bourama Koné (16, goalkeeper)
Mali impress with their attacking power, having scored 15 goals, but also with their defensive solidity. At this U17 World Cup, the Aiglons have conceded just 2 goals (against Spain and Canada). That defensive dependability is embodied by goalkeeper Bourama Koné. With 3 clean sheets, he will face his French counterpart, Paul Argney, who has not yet conceded in this competition.