shot-button
Subscription Subscription
Home > Sports News > Football News > Article > FIFA U 17 World Cup Ghana seal quarter final date with Mali

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Ghana seal quarter-final date with Mali

Updated on: 19 October,2017 08:56 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Noel D'Souza |

Skipper Aiyah's penalty kick and super-sub Danso's goal in final moments seal FIFA U-17 World Cup quarter-final date where they will meet dangerous Mali

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Ghana seal quarter-final date with Mali

Skipper Eric Aiyah's perfect kick from the penalty spot in injury time of the first half coupled with another splendid strike by substitute Richard Danso in the final moments of the match sealed two-time champions Ghana's place in the quarter-final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0 win over debutants Niger yesterday.


Ghana skipper Eric Aiyah (centre) scores past Niger
Ghana skipper Eric Aiyah (centre) scores past Niger 'keeper Khaled Lawali (left) during their U-17 World Cup clash at the DYâu00c2u0080u00c2u0088Patil Stadium. Pic/Suresh Karkera


In an all-African Round of 16 match, it was Ghana who dominated the proceedings unleashing waves of attacks from the wings in an extremely physical encounter at the DY Patil Stadium in Nerul.


'We created many chances'
The Black Starlets could have won by a much larger scoreline had it not been for the heroics of Niger's Khaled Lawali between the sticks. “We created so many chances but erratic shooting and indecision robbed us off many goals. In a tournament of this nature, (scoring) many goals does not really matter, the good thing is that we created chances and we scored one or two,” Ghana coach Paa Kwesi Fabin said.

In the first half, Niger 'keeper made at least four vital saves that on another day would have been goals -- superman-like dives, brick wall stops and heavy punches -- were the recipe for Lawali's show under the crossbar. However, Niger coach Ismaila Tiemoko denied that his custodian was responsible for a respectable scoreline. “In a match when we are on equal footing, we cannot say that one person made the difference. It were the two defensive errors which cost us the goals. The goalkeeper did his job like the others,” Tiemoko said.

Moments before the breather, Ghana got the lead after Farouk Idrissa brought down skipper Aiyah in the box. Aiyah made no mistake to see it to the back of the net, scoring his third goal of the tournament. “The penalty came at a crucial time and it was timely. That boost our confidence for the second half,” Fabin said.

The first half ended with Ghana hogging 64 per cent possession. The Ghanian dominance continued in the second half as well, leaving their opponents almost clueless at one point of time.

However, it was disappointing to see some of the Ghana players falling with injury theatrics in a bid to run down the clock.

In the 82nd minute, Idrissa made another meal off a tackle and was penalised in the penalty box when he brought down Emmanuel Toku. However, Lawali stepped up to his job and pulled off a fine diving to the right side of the shot.

Powerful Danso
In the 89th minute, Danso's thumping shot had just too much power behind it, that even a diving Lawali, who tried to parry it away, but landed up punching it to the back of the net.

Ghana play runners-up Mali in the quarters. “We know each other so well and therefore it's very difficult. It will be a cagey encounter and we are prepared for it,” Fabin concluded.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK