BY Victor Akhidenor
The knockout rounds of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand produced a major upset as Mali stunned Ghana 3-0 while Senegal beat Ukraine on penalties.
Mali defied all pre-match predictions when they outclassed 2009 champion Ghana in cold, wet and windy conditions in Wellington.
Diadie Samassekou put Mali ahead after 20 minutes after exchanging quick passes with Adama Traore.
Diedonne Gbakle doubled the lead after the break beating two men before unleashing a thunderous shot that went in off the underside of the bar.
The rout was completed nine minutes to the end when Aboubabacar Doumbia ran past the Ghana defence and chipped the ball beyond the keeper.
Mali will face the winner of Thursday’s star match between Germany and Nigeria, in a quarterfinal at Christchurch on Sunday.
Ibrahima Sy saved three penalties as Senegal won a dramatic shootout against Ukraine to reach the last eight.
Both sides were locked 1-1 at the end of normal and extra time, with Artem Biesiedin’s well-worked opener in Auckland having been cancelled out by a late Sidy Sarr leveller.
Other results
Serbia 2-1 Hungary
USA 1-0 Colombia
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