Mali and Ghana ease into Round of 16 at U-17 World Cup

Mali finish second in Group B behind Paraguay

Both Mali and Ghana booked their place in the Round of 16 at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup on Thursday.

The Malians beat New Zealand 3-1 in New Delhi to finish second in Group B behind Paraguay, who beat Turkey 3-1 in Mumbai to maintain their 100% record.

Ghana, meanwhile, knocked out India with a 4-0 victory over the hosts, also in New Delhi.

Mali - runners-up at the 2015 finals in Chile - next play on Tuesday, while Ghana are next in action on Wednesday.

Mali 3-1 New Zealand

The Eaglets took the lead through a fine strike from Salam Jiddou after 18 minutes, with Djemoussa Traore doubling the lead five minutes after half-time.

New Zealand pulled a goal back after 72 minutes but a nervy finish was allayed as Lassana N'Diaye scored Mali's third, and his third of the tournament.

Mali, who lost their opening game 3-2 to Paraguay before bouncing back with a 3-0 win over Turkey, will meet the team finishing second in Group F on Tuesday in Goa.

Ghana 4-0 India

Later in New Delhi, Ghana leapt from third in Group A to finish top after knocking out hosts India with a 4-0 win.

The Black Starlets joined Colombia and the United States in finishing on six points but ended top because of a superior goal difference, with the South Americans taking second spot.

Captain Eric Ayiah scored twice, once in each half, before Richard Danso and Emmanuel Toku added goals in the 86th and 87th minutes respectively.

The two-time winners will meet one of the best third-placed teams in Mumbai next week.