Maurice Revello Tournament: Mali hold on to secure 5th place with victory over Japan

Photo: Tournoi Maurice Revello/Facebook

After missing out on a place in the semifinals and being forced to settle for the fifth place match, the under-20 selection of Mali defeated Japan 3-2 on Saturday to finish their time in Southern France with a victory at the Maurice Revello Tournament (f.k.a. Toulon Tournament).

The tournament served as another excellent showpiece for some of Mali's rising talent. First half goals from Aboubacar Sidibé and Ousmane Theiro put the Eaglets ahead 2-0 by halftime. Japan made a strong comeback attempt but Stade Brestois midfielder Hamidou Makalou finished an excellent tournament with the match winner on the hour mark.

Mali previously defeated both hosts France as well as Saudi Arabia in the group stage on penalty kicks after an opening match defeat to Panama. However, Mali missed out on a place in the semifinals when they finished level on points with Saudi Arabia with an inferior goal difference.

Several players in the Malian team were members of the U-17 squad that finished in third place at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, including Manchester United signing Sekou Koné, FC Barcelona winger Ibrahim Diarra and Villarreal player Mahamoud Barry. With all players in the squad based in the academies of European clubs, the tournament presented an excellent opportunity for these players to compete for their nation at a high level.