Football: Mali claim bronze medal

Mali midfielder Adama Traore was one of the players of the tournament. Photo / Getty

Mali has taken the bronze medal at the Fifa Under-20 World Cup, with a thrilling 3-1 win over Senegal at North Harbour Stadium today.

Without wanting to invoke a cliché, this third place playoff game actually had everything. Some spectacular goals - including two of the best free kicks seen in the tournament, two missed penalties and a red card.

Played in difficult conditions - with driving rain and a slippery pitch - it was a match with plenty of quality, as well as the flair you associate with African teams.

Senegal played the whole second half with 10 men, after defender Moussa Ba was dismissed on the stroke of half-time.

Ultimately that proved the difference, as Mali dominated the second half. Two goals in the last eight minutes sealed the outcome, with Senegal gradually being overwhelmed by the numerical disadvantage.

Third place matches are often unpopular with players, as the semi-final losers can find it hard to be motivated a few days later. But both teams were up for this match and had something to prove; this was Senegal's first appearance at an Under-20 World Cup while Mali were looking to finish on a high, after what has been an extraordinary tournament for the Eagles.

Senegal opened the scoring in the 64th minute with a crisp finish from striker Ibrahima Wadji, after he slipped free of two defenders in the area. Mali were shocked, but struck back through Adama Traore, one of the players of the tournament. The Lille midfielder converted a brilliant 25 metre free kick in the 74th minute, before scoring a goal with his other foot from the edge of the area nine minutes later.

In between, both teams missed penalties, with yet another save by Senegal spot kick specialist Ibrahima Sy. Diadie Samassekou then put the icing the cake for Mali, finishing off a well worked set move from a 91st minute free kick.

Mali 3 (A Traore (2), D Samassekou)
Senegal 1 (I. Wadji)
Halftime: 0-0