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| The Nigerians are on fire |
The defending champions sent out a chilling message to their rivals when they crushed host nation Chile 5-1 in their second game of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
It was easily the Samuel Chukwueze Show after the dimunitive midfielder scored twice and won three penalties for the Golden Eaglets. Top striker Victor Osimhen also bagged a brace, while skipper Kelechi Nwakali recorded his first goal.
Chile grabbed a late consolation through Marcelo Allende and must now find a big win against the USA - who drew 2-2 with Croatia - to qualify for the next round, while the Nigerians became one of two teams through to the knockout stages with a game to spare.
The Eaglets top their group with a maximum six points, four more than second-placed Croatia, while the USA and Chile have a point apiece.
It was a different story with Guinea however after they lost 1-0 to Korea Republic. A heartbreaking stoppage-time goal did the damage, leaving the Guineans needing to beat Brazil in their final group game to have any chance of advancing.
African champions Mali bounced back from a disappointing opening day draw with Belgium to post another dominant performance that this time earned a 2-1 victory over Ecuador in their second game of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
Boubacar Traore gave Mali the lead in the ninth minute after profiting from a poor clearance by defender Carlos Pena, and Aly Malle doubled the advantage just after the hour mark when he finished sweetly after receiving a long pass.
Mali were however made to sweat the last 20 minutes after Pervis Estupian halved the advantage from the spot in the 70th minute. However the Eaglets held their nerve to claim all three points and join Belgium at the top of Group D.
Mali coach Baye Ba was delighted with the win which sees his team join Belgium at the top of Group D on four points.
"The key to the win today was our pressing. Ecuador are a very good team and we wanted to put them under pressure from the beginning. That worked well - especially in the first half. That was the basis of our victory," Ba noted after the game.
Ecuador coach Jose Rodriguez also praised the Africans, saying they proved too strong for his team.
"We were really impressed with the power that our opponent showed today. Mali are physically very strong and play extremely quickly. We had no time to react in the right way and had problems to find our own rhythm. We still have the chance to reach the next round. But we have to be better than today. That is possible," Rodriguez stated in his post-match comments.
Mali will play their final group game against Honduras on Saturday.
South Africa and the ten men of Korea DPR played out an entertaining 1-1 draw which helped neither side in their quest to progress from Group E. It was to be a share of the spoils for Group E's opening day's defeated sides, leaving them on a point each heading into their final matches.
The Amajimbos stay in Concepcion for their showdown with Russia, while Korea DPR head to Puerto Montt for their pool finale against Costa Rica.
The Eaglets top their group with a maximum six points, four more than second-placed Croatia, while the USA and Chile have a point apiece.
It was a different story with Guinea however after they lost 1-0 to Korea Republic. A heartbreaking stoppage-time goal did the damage, leaving the Guineans needing to beat Brazil in their final group game to have any chance of advancing.
African champions Mali bounced back from a disappointing opening day draw with Belgium to post another dominant performance that this time earned a 2-1 victory over Ecuador in their second game of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.
Boubacar Traore gave Mali the lead in the ninth minute after profiting from a poor clearance by defender Carlos Pena, and Aly Malle doubled the advantage just after the hour mark when he finished sweetly after receiving a long pass.
Mali were however made to sweat the last 20 minutes after Pervis Estupian halved the advantage from the spot in the 70th minute. However the Eaglets held their nerve to claim all three points and join Belgium at the top of Group D.
Mali coach Baye Ba was delighted with the win which sees his team join Belgium at the top of Group D on four points.
"The key to the win today was our pressing. Ecuador are a very good team and we wanted to put them under pressure from the beginning. That worked well - especially in the first half. That was the basis of our victory," Ba noted after the game.
Ecuador coach Jose Rodriguez also praised the Africans, saying they proved too strong for his team.
"We were really impressed with the power that our opponent showed today. Mali are physically very strong and play extremely quickly. We had no time to react in the right way and had problems to find our own rhythm. We still have the chance to reach the next round. But we have to be better than today. That is possible," Rodriguez stated in his post-match comments.
Mali will play their final group game against Honduras on Saturday.
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| Another draw |
The Amajimbos stay in Concepcion for their showdown with Russia, while Korea DPR head to Puerto Montt for their pool finale against Costa Rica.
Source: myjoyonline
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