FIFA U-20 WORLD CUP ROUND-UP: Mali And Senegal Through To The Semi-Finals

The two African representatives pulled off a shock on Sunday when they sailed through to the semi-finals of the 2015 Fifa U-20 World Cup in New Zealand

Both Mali and Senegal have qualified for the semi-finals of the 2015 Fifa U-20 World Cup in New Zealand after hard-fought victories over Germany and Uzbekistan in the quarterfinals respectively.

Senegal, who defeated Ukraine on penalties in the Last 16, took care of Uzbekistan, who came into the game oozing with confidence following their 2-0 win over Austria in the previous round.

Southampton forward Mamadou Thiam scored the only goal of the match in the 77th minute to hand the junior Teranga Lions a historic qualification to the U-20 World Cup semi-finals.

Senegal will now meet favourites Brazil for a ticket to the final on Wednesday June 17.

Mali had a tricky encounter, facing one of the tournament’s strongest teams, Germany.

The Europeans had been tipped to carry the day and had a dream start with a 38th minute goal through Julian Brandt.

The junior Eagles pulled level in the 58th minute when Souleymane Coulibaly’s close range effort kissed the back of the net.

Both teams dragged the stalemate until the final whistle, and they needed a penalty shootout to determine who goes through to the next round.

It ended 4-3 in favour of the West Africans, who will face Serbia in the semi-finals on Wednesday June 17.