Jakarta, Indinesia (PANA) - Ismail Bouneb's late strike earned France a hard-fought victory over Uzbekistan and a place in the FIFA U-17 World Cup semi-finals.
Jean-Luc Vannuchi's team, who have yet to concede a goal at the tournament, were far from their fluent best but edged through to keep their hopes alive of a first U-17 global crown since 2001.
France dominated possession in the first half but found clear-cut chances hard to come by against a well-drilled Uzbekistan outfit, according to fifa.com.
Indeed, the Asian team could have hit the front themselves on the stroke of half-time when Yakhyo Urinboev headed at goal, but his effort was superbly saved by Paul Argney.
France came even closer on the hour when Joan Tincres met a corner delivery on the volley from six yards out but struck the inside of the post, before the same player sent the rebound wide.
Les Bleuets finally got the breakthrough on 83 minutes, however.
Substitute Mathis Lambourde’s thumping header bounced off the crossbar but the ball went straight to Bouneb, who tucked away a smart finish.
Uzbekistan forward Amirbek Saidov forced a fine save from Argney in the game's dying moments, but they could not find a way past the inspired stopper as France saw out the victory.
France have lost only one of their past 11 U-17 World Cup matches.
-0- PANA MA/RA 25Nov2023
