Mali claimed its first CAF U-20 title following a 3-2 victory against high flying Senegal in Niger Republic on Sunday after a penalty shootout.

The Malian side who shocked title favourite Flying Eagles of Nigeria after a 4-3 penalty shootout put up an impressive performance to defeat Senegal the highest scoring side of the competition.

Mali who had seen their three goals lead cancelled to lose 3-5 to Senegal in the group stage, avenged their earlier loss.

The Malians absorbed all the pressures from the Senegalese just as the did against Nigeria defending excellently to avoid conceding a goal while Senegal, on the other hand, failed to convert their clear cut chances.

Mamodou Traore who scored against Nigeria broke the deadlock for the Malians in the 16th minute before Amadou Ndiaye levelled for Senegal in the 75th minute.

Both teams failed to score again in regular time and extra 30 minutes before the game was decided by penalty shootout as Mali went on to win 3-2 in the shootout to lift the title for the first time.

They will now go to the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup to be hosted in Poland as African champions alongside Senegal, South Africa and Nigeria who were all semi finalist at the CAF U-20 tournament.

Soka25east.com