FIFA U-17 World Cup: Niger, Ghana, in flying start

TWO of the African representatives, debutants Niger Republic and Ghana at the weekend made winning start to their FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.

Niger at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi, made history as they won on their debut in a FIFA competition with a 1-0 victory over Korea DPR in a Group D game.

Salim Abdourahmane was the hero of the match as he scored the Nigeriens’ winner in the 59th minute.

Some good work on the right flank by Habibou Sofiane allowed him to find an unmarked Abdourahmane in the Korea DPR box. With time to pick his spot, the Junior Menas striker slotted his shot past Young Chollima goalkeeper Sin Tae-Song for the match winner.

Abdourahmane proved a real handful for the defence of the Asians and was unlucky not find the scoresheet again. He forced a good save from Sin before narrowly missing the target moments later. In the end, the single goal was enough for Niger to claim a famous result.

Earlier on Friday, two-time world champions, the Black Starlets of Ghana also pipped Colombia 1-0 in a Group A game at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.

A fine counter-attack saw the Black Starlets captain Eric Ayiah make an incisive run down the left flank before delivering a pinpoint low cross that Sadiq Ibrahim duly converted at the far post for  the only goal of the match.Meanwhile, the rest two African flagbearers posted unpleasant results at the ongoing India 2017.

The young Eagles of Mali lost 2-3 to their counterparts from Paraguay in a group B game at Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, while Iran spanked Guinea 3-1 in a group C game at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa with Fandje Toure scoring the Africans’ only goal during added time.