NEWS
A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
Mali’s road to 2019 U-20 AFCON Glory
Mali clinched the 2019 U2O AFCON gold in Niger. Here’s how they made it.
How did Mali make U-20 AFCON their tournament?
Mali’s claimed continental glory in the U-20 AFCON finals against Senegal, beating the Senegalese (3-2) on penalties. The road to victory was modest but nonetheless entertaining and well orchestrated. This is how they became the champions of Africa!
Mohamed Diallo of Mali in action during the FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 Round of 16 match between Ghana and Mali at Wellington Regional Stadium on June 10, 2015 in Wellington, New Zealand.
(June 9, 2015 - Source: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images AsiaPac)
Road to the Finals
Senegal v Mali
Senegal was the stronger of the two teams in the encounter, dismissing Mali 2-0. Mali’s opener fell short of the team’s potential; they failed to create chances. The lack of defensive rigor in the match led to Senegal netting two late goals.
Mali v Burkina Faso
Mali needed a win against Burkina Faso to keep them in the running for the title. A 52nd-minute goal from Mamadou Traore gave Mali a narrow 1-0 victory. Burkina Faso went on to lose 5-1 to Senegal, finishing last in group B.
Mali v Ghana
The final group match for Mali was played at Stade General Seyni Kountche in Niamey. Mali humbled Ghana to a 1-0 defeat, to qualify for the semi-finals. Hadji Drame scored in the second-half, dashing Ghana’s hopes of qualifying for the U-20 FiFA World Cup.
Semi-Finals (Nigeria v Mali)
Mali’s battle against the Flying Eagles of Nigeria promised to be tightly contended. Nigeria won group A with seven points ahead of South Africa. The game was played to a 1:1 stalemate, taking the game to extra time and the dreaded penalties. Mali won the ensuing penalties (3-4) sending the Flying Eagles packing, setting up a final with three-time runner ups Senegal.
It was that simple yet, how Mali managed to upstage the seven other teams in this tournament might be elusive to some.
The secret behind Mali’s success
Defence tactics
The strategy of Mali’s head coach was to play a defensive game. This style of play worked for Mali when it was needed the most. Although there are strong critics who argue that Mali’s play is too defensive, the national coach, Mamoutou Kané "Mourlé" found a strategy that delivered the championship.
Returning champions
Mali’s squad had eight players from the squad that won the U-17 AFCON in 2017. The dynamics of having more than two-thirds of experienced tournament winners who had already worked successfully as a team was an added advantage. A standout player who was part of the U17 AFCON winning team, Red Bull Salzburg forward Sekou Koita was the one of the more experienced in Mamoutou Kané’s squad.
Mali, along with Senegal, Nigeria and South Africa, will play in the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Poland, commencing on the 23rd of May all through to 15th of June. Mali has proven that they have what it takes to win tournaments on the continent, the challenge will be to replicate their success on the world stage. Fingers crossed they continue to make history.
2019 AWCON: One last dance for SA & Nigeria as the women cap off a superb tourney
This is it ladies and gentlemen. The final tango of the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations is here. The most successful team on the continent facing the challenge of the most promising. Time to pick favorites.
“The 2018 AWCON finals are set to be high-energy and tightly contested, one that promises to be an exciting watch. For now, it’s too close to call who will emerge as champions after Saturday’s final. What remains is to pick a side; Banyana Banyana or The Super Falcons.”
Nigeria and South Africa will play each other in the 2018 AWCON finals this Saturday. The winners will be crowned the champions of the continent for the next two years.
Francisca Ordega #17 of Nigeria celebrates her game-tying goal against Sweden with Onome Ebi #5, Asisat Oshoala #8 and Ngozi Ebere #23 during the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015 Group D match between Sweden and Nigeria at Winnipeg Stadium on June 8, 2015 in Winnipeg, Canada.
(June 7, 2015 - Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images North America)
The tournament has come full circle as these two teams will meet for the second time in the finals of the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles conceded a crucial goal in the first encounter and lost the match. Banyana Banyana have played the entire tournament with the same energy and vigour they had during that euphoric 1-0 win. On Tuesday, Banyana dismissed Mali in the semi-final in which they put two goals past Les Aigles without any response from the West African side. While Nigeria had earlier beat out Cameroon in a penalty shoot-out where Cameroonian star player Gaëlle Enganamouit failed to convert from the spot.
South Africa is on the threshold of making history and claiming their very first AWCON title. The 2-0 semi-final victory over Mali already ensures that they will be at the FIFA World Cup in France next year. All eyes are on head coach Desiree Ellis to see whether or not she will be able to do the amazing and lead South Africa to both their first world cup appearance and their first continental cup trophy. The coach who led SA to the 2018 COSAFA title triumph has done an incredible job with the team so far and could be bound for the spectacular.
"Everyone was magnificent, the players, staff, technical team and the people who don't usually get a mention as each and everyone played a part.”
Desiree Ellis, South Africa Head Coach
The Nigerians are very familiar with this stage of the tournament, making it to the finals more times than any other team on the continent. As defending champions, the pressure is on them to assert their dominance over their highly motivated counterparts. The Super Falcons have been less impressive than their foes from the south in this tournament. Despite this, head coach Thomas Dennerby is confident that they can overcome Banyana Banyana to lift the trophy for the 11th time come Saturday.
“When it comes to the final we will do whatever it takes to bring the cup back to Nigeria. ...We have a very good chance to beat South Africa, now it's time to rest two days, the extra day before the final.”
Thomas Dennerby, Nigeria Head Coach
(L-R) Sanah Mollo of South Africa celebrates the third goal with Janine van Wyk during the women's friendly match between South Africa and Bayer Leverkusen at Sport School Hennef on July 12, 2012 in Recklinghausen, Germany.
(July 11, 2012 - Source: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images Europe)
Prior to the finals on Saturday, Cameroon and Mali will play each other in the third-place playoff where the winner will also book a place in next year’s FIFA World Cup. This will be a consolation prize for The Indomitable Lionesses who failed to make it to the finals after the penalty shoot-out lottery missing out on a good chance of lifting the trophy.
The 2018 AWCON finals are set to be high-energy and tightly contested, one that promises to be an exciting watch. For now, it’s too close to call who will emerge as champions after Saturday’s final. What remains is to pick a side; Banyana Banyana or The Super Falcons, who is your favourite to take the trophy home?