Appearing Maximum, Mali U-17 Should Be Able To Win 10 Goals Against Argentina U-17

The Mali U-17 national team celebrated a goal against Argentina U-17. (LOC WCU17/NFL)

SOLO - The Mali U-17 national team should have scored 10 goals when they won third place in the 2023 U-17 World Cup. However, Mali U-17 'only' 3-0 against Argentina U-17 in a match at Manahan Stadium, Solo, December 1 night WIB.

Mali's three goals remained extraordinary considering they faced one of the strong and tough opponents in this U-17 world championship. Even Argentina U-17 is actually one of the favorites to win. They were only unlucky after losing a penalty shootout against Germany U-17. Mali coach, Soumaila Coulibaly said he was satisfied to be able to bring the team to rank three. According to him, this is their best achievement after failing to become champions in Indonesia.

"While preparing the team, I always tell players that our target is to win the 2023 U-17 World Cup," said Coulibaly.

"When we failed in the first final [the semifinal match], I said we had to win the second final [the third place match]. This is important for the future of these young Mali players," he said.

The target was finally achieved when Mali was ranked third in the U-17 World Cup.

Interestingly, Coulibaly said Mali's success in scoring the three goals did not really surprise him.

According to him, the player has many opportunities that should be converted into goals.

Even Coulibaly felt it was not too much if they should have won 10-0 in this match.

"We should have scored 10-0. But we wasted a lot of chances. If we played 100 percent then we could have scored a lot of goals," he said.

"Why did this happen? We played without ever seeing who and how type the opponent was. When we faced Mexico who was also a big team, we only played like a thirst for victory. Likewise, when we faced Argentina we started well," Coulibaly said.

In that match, captain Ibrahim Diarra along with Doumbia Mamadou, and Hamidou Makayou made a big contribution. Those who led Mali to rank three.