Ivory Coast and Mali hit seven as African teams shine at FIFA U15 World Cup

Cote d’Ivoire and Mali produced the biggest wins as African teams continued to make an impression on the second day of the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan.

The Elephanteaux overwhelmed Rwanda 5-0, while Mali went one better by thrashing Botswana 7-1. Guinea, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritania and Niger also secured victories in Saturday’s matches at the Hovsan Sports Complex in Baku.

The tournament’s first edition is being played in an eight-a-side format, giving young players from around the world the opportunity to compete against international opposition.

Cote d’Ivoire took control of their match against Rwanda early on. Willi Otokore opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Okoma Kouassi doubled the advantage a minute later.

Dramane Diarrassouba added a third in the 23rd minute, with Amara Kone scoring in the 32nd minute. Junior Soumahoro completed the rout four minutes from the end.

Mali’s victory over Botswana was even more emphatic, with Alhassane Haidara scoring three times during an outstanding individual display.

Haidara struck in the seventh, 18th and 27th minutes, while Mohamed Diawara scored in the ninth and 25th minutes. Seydou Sinayoko also claimed a brace, finding the net in the 28th and 38th minutes.

Guinea began their campaign with a 2-1 win against Canada. Seydouba Camara put Guinea ahead in the ninth minute and Naby Sylla extended their lead eight minutes later.

Madagascar also prevailed in an all-African contest, beating Mozambique 2-0. Toky Razafiarimanana scored in the 19th minute before Francisco Fanomezanjanahary added a second 10 minutes later.

Comoros made a winning start against Montserrat, claiming a 3-1 victory with Abdallah Salim scoring twice.

Mauritania edged past Vanuatu 1-0, while Niger defeated Chad 2-1.

The results continued a strong opening for African representatives at the tournament. Algeria had previously beaten Argentina 1-0, Cameroon defeated Senegal 3-0 and Morocco won 2-0 against the Philippines.