Cote d'Ivoire outclass Mali to top Group D and reach U-17 World Cup

Cote d'Iovire produced a statement performance on Monday to beat Mali 4-2 in their final Group D clash at the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, leapfrogging their opponents to finish top of the group and clinch a spot in the quarter-finals and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

Alynho Haïdara was the standout for the Ivorian side, netting twice in the opening 18 minutes — first from open play and then from the penalty spot — to set the tone at Stade Municipal de Berrechid.

Moïse Diarrassouba added a third with a brilliant finish just before the break to hand the Ivorians a commanding 3-0 lead.

Seydou Dembélé pulled one back for Mali in first-half stoppage time, and although they were awarded a penalty midway through the second half, Dembélé was denied by the Ivorian keeper.

Ndjicoura Bomba did later reduce the deficit to 3-2 with a powerful effort in the 69th minute.

But any hopes of a comeback were dashed in added time when Broulaye Cissé rifled in a spectacular long-range effort to make it 4-2 and seal all three points.

The result means Cote d'Ivoire top the group with seven points, followed by Mali on six. 

Despite the loss, Mali had already booked their place in the quarter-finals and World Cup after earlier wins over Angola and Central African Republic.

Elsewhere in the group, Angola’s thumping 6-1 win over the Central African Republic wasn’t enough to push them into the quarter-finals, but it did secure a World Cup playoff opportunity as one of the best third-placed teams.