Mali beat Zambia in Group B

Zambia U-20 star Lubambo Musonda

The Young Eagles of Mali claimed their first three points of the 2015 Africa Youth Championship by beating Zambia 1-0 on Monday.

Ghana had earlier beaten South Africa 2-0 in the first game in Group B to lay down a marker.

Alhassane Diallo’s goal in the 74th minute was the difference between the two sides in a game that had very few chances.

Zambia were forced into a chance early in the 21st minute as skipper Lubambo Musonda had to be replaced by Patson Daka but it did little to change the tide.

The Young Copper Bullets had a decent spell early in the first half as Patrick Ngoma’s header couldn’t beat Traore in the Malian goal in the 15th minute with Rally Bwala also having a go.

Mali had most of the clear cut chances in the game as Mohamed Guilavogui and Aboubacar Doumbia both had a crack at goal without success until Diallo scored with a wonderful effort of a set piece.

The Young Eagles are second on the Group B log behind Ghana on goal difference. Zambia and South Africa take up the last two spots in the group.

Mali: S. Traore, S. Diarra, Kone, I.Diarra, Maiga, Guilavogui, Guindo, Toure, Doumbia, Diallo, Sacko.

Zambia: Banda, Chepeshi, Mulenga, Ngoma, Zulu, Bwalya, Sakala, Kayawe, Mwamba, Musonda, Sautu