Mali secure first Afcon U20 title on penalties

Mali beat Senegal 3-2 on penalties to claim their maiden Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title following a 1-1 stalemate after extra time in Niamey.

The Aiglons held their nerve in the pulsating shootout to hand Senegal their third successive defeat in the final.

Mamoutou Kane's charges opened the scoring at Stade General Seyni Kountche after 15 minutes when Boubacar Traore hammered home Hadji Drame's delivery as Senegal found themselves behind for the first time in the tournament.

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Youssouph Dabo's Les Lionceaux replied 17 minutes from normal time through FC Metz's Amadou Ndiaye who volleyed in the equaliser from close range to force the match into extra time and penalties.

Senegal missed their first spot kick when their midfielder's spot kick hit the post.

The young Malians converted their three consecutive penalties through Boubacar Traore, Lassana Ndiaye and Abdoulaye Diaby.

The tournament's leading goalscorer, Amadou Ndiaye, missed his kick before teammate Ousseynou Niang also missed to secure Mali the title.

LEADING GOALSCORER
Amadou Ndiaye (Senegal)

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Moussa Ndiaye

FAIR PLAY AWARD
Senegal

Source: CAF Online