The Young Eagles of Mali have qualified for the quarter-final of the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup after they defeated Argentina by 4-5 on penalties after full and extra time had ended 2-2.
After a goalless first half, Argentina took the lead early in the second half, when Adolfo Gaich tapped the ball through the legs of the Malian goalkeeper, following a poor header by a Malian player.
The West Africans rallied and equalized through a beautiful header by Diaby on the 67th minute.
Argentina were in front again as soon as the extra time commenced. Mali fought on and eventually got the equalizer at the tail end of the extra time, through Boubakar Conte.
During the penalty shootout, Tomas Chancalay of Argentina saw his penalty saved by the goalkeeper, while Mali converted all their spot kicks.
In other round of 16 matches, Korea Republic defeated Japan 1-0 in an all-Asian affair while USA shocked France 3-2.
In the quarter-final pairings, Colombia will battle Ukraine while Mali will lurk horns with Italy. USA will clash with Ecuador as Senegal take on Korea Republic.
