Mali Coach Gives Flying Eagles Uruguay Tips

Mali Coach Gives Flying Eagles Uruguay Tips

Posted: Jul 01, 2013

Coach of Mali Moussa Keita has given Nigeria some tips ahead of their FIFA U20 World Cup round of 16 clash against Uruguay on Tuesday in Istanbul.

Mali played out a 1-1 draw with the South Americans before the World Cup in Antalya and Keita said Nigeria could go ahead and beat Uruguyans to reach the last eight of the tournament.

“We played them in a friendly in Antalya before the World Cup. They are a good team and have a great forward in the No.9 (Diego Rolan), two great wingers and their central midfielder is also a key player because if he plays, the team plays too,” observed the Mali coach.

“But their biggest undoing is dealing with aerial balls whether from corners or free kicks. The goalkeeper is shaky and the defenders just do not know how to cope with high balls launched into their goal area.

“I believe if Nigeria can make use of this weakness they will advance to the next round of the competition.”

He added: “Please tell my good friend John Obuh that we are supporting them and that they are capable of making Africa proud in Turkey.”

Nigeria battled Mali twice at the African Youth Championship in Algeria in April.

Mali won a group game 1-0 before the Flying Eagles avenged this defeat with a 2-1 win to finish third at the AYC. ------------------------ complete sports