Mali edge spirited Angola to make winning Group D start

Mali made a strong start to their TotalEnergies CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Angola on Tuesday at the Stade Municipal de Berrechid.

Goals from Ndjicoura Bomba and Soungalo Coulibaly handed the Malians all three points in their opening Group D clash, putting them top of the table ahead of Côte d'Ivoire and Central African Republic, who face off later in the day.

Mali struck first in the 11th minute when Bomba, lively throughout, rifled home a right-footed finish into the top corner from the centre of the box after being teed up by Seydou Dembélé.

The West Africans had several chances to double their lead but were pegged back just before half-time.

Angola equalised through Jayden Puna in the third minute of added time at the end of the first half.

The centre-back nodded home from close range after a clever headed assist by Manelson, with VAR confirming the goal following a brief review.

The second half saw both sides push for the winner in a physical contest, but it was Mali who found the breakthrough in the 74th minute.

Substitute Coulibaly produced a moment of brilliance, lashing in a right-footed strike from long range into the bottom left corner following a corner.

Angola pushed for a late equaliser, with Densel Liyun going close in added time, but Mali held on to claim a crucial three points.

The result sees Mali take early control of Group D, with confidence building ahead of their next fixture.