Mali successfully defended the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 win over Ghana in Libreville, Gabon, on Sunday.
Mamadou Samake scored the only goal in the 22nd minute after tapping in from a saved penalty by goalkeeper Dan Lad Ibrahim. Mali now joins Ghana, Nigeria and Gambia as two times winners of the under-17 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Black Starlets conceded two penalties in the first half which were well-saved by goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad but the first penalty was not completely put out of danger when Samake Mahmadou prodded home.
Defenders John Otu and Razak Yusif were penalised for late tackles that saw Ghana give away two penalties.
Midfielder Gabriel Leveh came close to scoring for the Starlets close to the end of the first half, but goalkeeper Youssouf Koita tipped over the sublime free-kick effort.
Mali largely dominated the midfield and had their fullbacks cause a lot of trouble for the Ghanaians with marauding runs on the flanks.
Ghana came close again on the stroke of half time when Eric Ayiah’s shot in the box was blocked in the box by the Malians.
Coach Paa Kwesi Fabin brought on Edmund Arko Mensah and Sulley Ibrahim with the clock ticking but their efforts were not enough to see the Black Stralets score to push the game to penalties.
Fabin had a last throw of the dice by bringing on Bismark Terry Owusu but the Malians were too strong for the Black Starlets.
Mali, Ghana, Guinea and Niger will represent the continent at the under-17 world Cup in India later this year.
By Lukman Evergreen Mumin