Mali are through to the knockout round of the 2019 FIFAU20WC despite losing 3-2 to France joining fellow West Africans, Nigeria and Senegal, who face each other in the round of 16.
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Mail put in a spirited performance but came short as a late goal from second-half substitute, Amine Gouiri, sealed a third consecutive win for France.
Ousmane Diakite pulled one back for Mali but it was a little too late to start a fightback as France held on for the win.
The result means Mali finish second in Group E on four points, five behind group winners France, who qualify with a maximum of nine points.
Both sides are joined by Panama whose first-ever win, a 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia, was enough to see them book a place in the round of 16 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Up next for Mali is a battle with Argentina on June 4.
South Africa heads home
In Group F, it is the end of the road for one of Africa’s representatives, South Africa, after they managed to pick up their first point in the competition.
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The Amajitas and Portugal played out a 1-1 draw in Bielsko-Biala, a result that favoured neither of them.
South Africa finished bottom of the Group while Portugal narrowly misses out on a spot in the round of 16.
Nigeria, Senegal clash in an all-West African affair
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will trade tackles with West African neighbours Senegal in the knockout phase of the 2019 FIFAU20WC.
Nigeria finished as one of the best third-placed teams while the Young Teranga Lions were Group A winners without losing a game.
That game is slated for June 3 by 7:30 pm.
