By SCM Sports Writer in Qatar
DOHA, QATAR – Mali delivered a clinical performance in the FIFA Under 17 World Cup today, beating Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the final Group L fixture.
But while the action was hot on the pitch, the focus remains firmly on the unique surroundings of the Gulf state, as both teams battled it out at the colossal Aspire Zone complex.
The key Group L encounter was played on Pitch 7, a synthetic surface named in honour of Qatari legend Mansour Muftah. The venue is part of a cluster of high-tech pitches at the Aspire Zone, a training hub in Al Rayyan that is hosting almost all the group stage matches in this expanded 48-team tournament.
The Malians, who were already favourites heading into the tie, sealed the deal with goals in both halves. The first came just before the break, a fantastic strike from midfielder Bakary Diarra on 42 minutes that left the Saudi keeper with no chance.
The African nation wrapped up their victory in the second half when striker Amadou Konaté slotted home a penalty on 68 minutes, sending the Green Falcons crashing out of the tournament.
The win sees Mali cement their position in the knockout stages, confirming their potential as dark horses for the title.
For fans and players alike, the group stage experience at the Aspire Zone continues to divide opinion. While the facilities are state-of-the-art—offering immaculate turf, climate control, and easy access to recovery centres—the atmosphere of a traditional World Cup venue is notably absent.
“It’s incredible what they’ve built here, no doubt,” one European scout told The Sun after the match.
“But it feels more like a really high-stakes training camp than a World Cup. You don’t get the same roar from the crowd when all the pitches are basically side-by-side. Still, a win is a win, and Mali look sharp.”
The massive logistical challenge of running a 48-team, 104-match tournament has seen FIFA turn to the compact eight-pitch system at Aspire, with only the final being played at the iconic Khalifa International Stadium.
Mali will now eagerly await the draw for the Round of 32, a new stage added for this enlarged competition, while Saudi Arabia will head home contemplating a difficult campaign.
