CAN U-17: Ghana, Mali Battle For Top Spot

Both teams qualified for the final on Wednesday May 24, 2017.

The Black Starlets of Ghana will play against Mali in the final of the 12th edition of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon on Sunday May 28, 2017 at the Stade de l’Amité Sino-Gabonese in Libreville. Ghana qualified for the final after beating Niger 6-5 through penalty kicks in the first semi-final match in Port-Gentil on Wednesday May 24, 2017 while Guinea equally outplayed Mali 2-0 through penalty kicks in the second semi-final game in Libreville to reach the final.
In Port-Gentil it was a rather tactical and entertaining football encounter that kept spectators on their feet throughout the game. Coach Samuel Kwasi Fabian had maintained the same team that thrashed Cameroon 4-0 in their tournament opener. The Black Starlets dominated the first half of the game but squandered several scoring chances. Niger equally put up a strong resistance but failed to concretise their chances. At full time the score line situation was 0-0. After penalty kicks the scoreboard read 6-5 in favour of the Black Starlets of Ghana. Playing before 4,854 spectators, the Black Starlets had to cope with the brilliant tactics of Niger goalkeeper, Khaled Lawali Ibrahim and a strong defence wall of the team. Ghana who are on a return to the African championship after a four-year absence, are seeking to win the trophy for the third time.
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