Mali edge Cameroon, seize early control of Group B

Mali took early control of Group B with a hard fought 3-1 win over Cameroon in a keenly contested encounter at the Stade Municipal in the second of Monday's double-header at the CAFU17 finals in Niamey.

The two sides engaged in a fast-paced tussle from start to finish and the half-time deadlock was only broken on the 49th minute when Mamadou Sangare volleyed home to give Mali the lead. Sidiki Maiga went close to nine minutes later but Cameroon goal minder Cedric Tchotcheu saved well.

Cameroon skipper Martin Hongla restored parity on the hour mark as the two sides exhibited thrilling end-top-end tough action before a vociferous packed arena.

Mali went ahead with 12 minutes remaining on the clock when Sekou Koita thundered home from close range and the young eagles made sure of maximum points right on the stroke of full-time when enterprising Boubacar Traore rounded goalie Tchotcheu to slot home.

With the win, Mali assumed early leadership of group B which earlier saw defending champions Cote d'Ivoire come from two goals to draw with South Africa's Amajimbos 2-2.