U-17 World Cup: Mali star Raymond Bomba credits determination for Zambia win

Mali U-17 national team forward Raymond Bomba has praised the team’s 3-1 Round of 32 FIFA World Cup win against Zambia to players being determined to achieve their goal in Qatar.

The West Africans ended the Junior Chipolopolo’s impressive campaign in the tournament after the impressive win at the Aspire Zone in Al Rayyan. Bomba and Seydou Dembele proved a deadly duo for Mali in the all African clash.

Mali struck first early in the second half when Raymond Bomba finished off a quick transition in the 51st minute.
Zambia responded almost immediately through a well-taken goal by Mapalo Simute in the 63rd minute after good work from the right wing, giving hope of another comeback from the Junior Chipolopolo.

But the West Africans, finalists in 2015, showed their experience and physical edge, regaining the lead in the 85th minute through Seydou Dembele before Lamine Keita sealed the tie in added time.

‘Key to success against Zambian was determination’

“We are very happy because we have qualified for the Round of 16 and we played a great match. The key to success was determination. We were all determined,” Bomba told FIFA.com after the game.

“Mali is not here just to make up the numbers, we want to go for victory.”

Mali will now face Morocco in another all African clash in the Round of 16. Morocco qualified for the stage following their 4-3 penalty shootout win after a 1-1 outcome in regulation time.

Egypt are also out of the competition following a 1-3 defeat to Switzerland. An efficient start for the Swiss saw the European representatives go ahead 2-0 by halftime. The North Africans remained on the defensive, conceding another goal early in the second half before getting a consolation goal from Anas Roshdy late on.

On Saturday, Senegal will face Uganda in an early match from the Round of 32. South Africa faces Japan, Burkina Faso will clash with Germany and Tunisia takes on Austria.

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