2023 U-17 World Cup: Mali National Team Praises Solo City

The Mali U-17 national team underwent their first training after arriving in Solo, Monday, November 6, 2023 evening WIB (photo: DOK. PANITIA)

JAKARTA – The Mali U-17 national team praised the city of Solo and the friendliness of the people there after arriving to face the 2023 U-17 World Cup.

Mali received a good welcome when he arrived at Adi Soemarmo International Airport on Monday, 6 November 2023 afternoon Western Indonesian Time (WIB), for the event which runs from November 10 to December 2.

"We were well served. As soon as we arrived at the hotel and then headed to the training location, the time was very fast according to the schedule. It's a beautiful city, the people seemed friendly to the visiting team," said Mali U-17 National Team Media Officer Ibrahima Ze Koulibaly.

Apart from receiving good service, the Malian national team group was also happy with the weather conditions in Solo because they were quite similar to those in their country.

"The air here is very similar to our country. There are no significant problems. In principle, we must be ready to face all terrains," said Ibrahima.

Mali entered the U-17 World Cup after finishing fourth in the 2023 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations. This event will be the sixth edition that Mali will participate in throughout history.

Mali's previous best achievement was runner-up in 2015. At that time they failed to win the trophy after losing two goals without reply against Nigeria.

Ibrahima said that this year, his team set a high target in Indonesia. They want to bring home a trophy to mark history at this prestigious age group event.

"We currently have a serious target at the 2023 U-17 World Cup. Mali came here to become champions and bring the trophy to Mali as our target," he said.

The Mali U-17 national team is included in Group B. The first challenge they will face is against Uzbekistan at the Manahan Stadium, Solo, Friday, November 10 at 16.00 WIB.

Furthermore, the next two matches in a row are against the Spanish team, November 13, 2023, at Manahan Stadium, and Canada, November 16, 2023, at Jakarta International Stadium.