2023 FIFA U-17 WC: Magnificent Mali thump Argentina 3-0 to clinch bronze

Surakarta, Indonesia (PANA) - Hamidou Makalou scored an incredible individual goal as Mali swept aside Argentina 3-0 to clinch the bronze medal at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Ibrahim Diarra and Mamadou Doumbia were also on target for the dominant African side in Surakarta, FIFA.com reported. The outstanding Diarra – unquestionably one of the stars of Indonesia 2023 – opened the scoring on nine minutes. The Mali captain expertly controlled a lofted pass from Sekou Kone then placed a precision strike into the bottom corner. Mali continued to control the game and got the second goal their efforts deserved on the stroke of half-time. Makalou was the creator, with his free-kick delivery headed home by Doumbia. Mali extended their advantage after the break in the 48th minute with a quite astonishing goal. Makalou alighted on the ball just inside the box, nutmegged Tobias Palacio and, with one swift body-swerve, side-stepped Dylan Gorosito and goalkeeper Jeremias Florentin before tapping into an empty net. Argentina’s Claudio Echeverri – who came on as a half-time substitute – thought he had reduced the deficit with a neat finish shortly after the hour, but he had strayed offside. Makalou almost scored a spectacular second when his thunderous free-kick smashed off the underside of the crossbar. There were to be no further goals, however, as Mali comfortably saw out a mightily impressive victory. Ibrahim Diarra scored in each of Mali's final five matches at Indonesia 2023. -0 PANA MA 1Dec2023