Mali will face Belgium, Vietnam and New Zealand in Group G of the U-17 World Cup in Qatar, with the Aiglons targeting a place in the second round in their seventh appearance at the tournament.
The Malian side begin their campaign against New Zealand on November 20 before facing Belgium three days later in what could prove to be the decisive match in the battle for top spot.
Mali will conclude their group-stage campaign against Vietnam on November 26.
The Aiglons have been drawn in a group that gives them a strong opportunity to progress, although they will need to deliver consistent performances across all three matches.
Belgium are expected to provide Mali’s biggest test, while New Zealand and Vietnam offer opponents against whom the African side will be confident of competing strongly.
Mali’s Group G fixtures
- November 20, 13:30: Mali v New Zealand
- November 23, 15:30: Mali v Belgium
- November 26, 13:00: Vietnam v Mali
A positive result against New Zealand would give Mali an important start and allow the team to build momentum ahead of the potentially defining clash with Belgium.
The final match against Vietnam could then prove crucial in determining the Aiglons’ qualification prospects, depending on the results of the opening two fixtures.
Mali have built a strong reputation in African youth football and remain one of the continent’s most experienced sides at the U-17 World Cup.
Their qualification for the tournament for a seventh time underlines the country’s continued strength in youth development.
The Aiglons will now be looking to use that experience to secure a place in the knockout stages and mount another strong campaign on the global stage.
For Mali, the opening fixture against New Zealand on November 20 will provide the first opportunity to set the tone for their tournament before the key encounter with Belgium and their final Group G match against Vietnam.
