BY Victor Akhidenor
Ten-man Mali made their numerical strength count by beating nine-man Mexico 2-0 in their opening Group D match of the FIFA U-20 world cup in New Zealand.
After a goalless first half, the match degenerated into an ill-tempered affair in the second half which saw Mali reduced to 10 men in the 56th minute. German referee Felix Zwayer gave Hamidou Maiga a red card after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.
Mexico’s numerical edge over Mali only lasted for nine minutes as substitute Diego Gama was shown a straight red in the 65th minute. Oscar Bernad soon joined his teammate to add to Mexico’s misery.
The West African side capitalised on this as Adama Traore scored the first goal in the 76th minute before Gkable Dreudonne doubled the lead three minutes later to seal the victory.
The other African team, Senegal lost 3-0 to Portugal in their opening Group C fixture.
Earlier in the opening match of the tournament, Ghana played a 1-1 draw against Austria.
Yaw Yeboah converted a 90th minute penalty to salvage the draw.
Austria had taken the lead after Bernd Gschweidl scored an early second half goal in their Group B clash.
In the other Group B match, Argentina captain Angel Correa scored both his team’s goals as the tournament favourites were held to a 2-2 draw by Panama.
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