France U20 Team Falls to Mali in Penalty Shootout at Maurice Revello Tournament
France U20 football team loses to Mali in a penalty shootout at the Maurice Revello Tournament.
Key Points
- • France U20 drew 1-1 with Mali and lost 5-4 in penalties.
- • Gomis scored for France; Diakité for Mali.
- • France remains top of their group with 4 points despite the loss.
- • Next match is crucial against Panama on Monday.
In a tense match at the Maurice Revello tournament, the France U20 football team faced Mali at the Parc des Sports in Avignon. The game ended in a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout where France ultimately fell 5-4. Mali took the lead with a goal from Gaoussou Diakité in the 20th minute, thanks to a quick free-kick that caught the French defense off-guard. France equalized just before halftime with a well-placed goal from Tidiam Gomis, assisted by Nhoa Sanghi.
Despite their efforts, France struggled against a physically dominant Mali side, with goalkeeper Alexis Mirbach making several critical saves, including a reflex stop from a corner kick in the 76th minute. The penalty shootout proved challenging for France, as two of their key players, Saïmon Bouabre and Abdoul Koné, failed to convert their penalties.
Currently, France remains atop their group with 4 points, but they face increasing pressure from Saudi Arabia and Panama following other match results. The team’s next crucial match will be against Panama on Monday in Aubagne, which could determine their advancement in the tournament.