Niger mark debut with win
Niger made a winning debut at the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a hard fought 1-0 verdict over North Korea in a Group D clash in Kochi. It was a historic occasion for the teenagers from Niger as this is the first time that the African nation is competing in a football World Cup in any age group. Niger are placed second in the group behind three-time winners Brazil. Both teams are on three points but the South America U-17 Championship winners are at the pole position due to a superior goal difference. Salim Abdourahmane etched his name in the history of Nigerien football by scoring the only goal of the match in the 59th minute.
Iran beat Guinea to top Group C
Iran overpowered 10-man Guinea in a Group C encounter to enjoy a splendid start to their campaign at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Goa. Iran are now at the top of the group with three points, the same as Germany. The Asians however, sit at the top of the group due to a better goal difference. After a goalless opening half, Allahyar Sayyad gave Iran the lead in the 59th minute with a powerful shot from outside the Guinea penalty box. Guinea suffered a blow in the 70th minute when defender Cherif Camara was sent off for a foul inside the penalty box. Mohammad Sharifi stepped forward to convert the resultant penalty and double Iran's lead. Saeid Karimi piled on the misery for Guinea in the 90th minute by capitalising on a defensive mistake to score the third goal for Iran. Fandje Toure managed to score a consolation goal for Iran in the added time in the second half.
Germans ride on Awuku's late strike
Noah Awuku scored a late winner as Germany defeated a spirited Costa Rica 2-1 in their Group C match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa. Awuku (89th minute) scored right at the end to hand the Germans a rather unconvincing victory in the first match of their campaign. Costa Ricans seemed to have done enough to grab a well-earned draw, with Andres Gomez's 64th minute equaliser cancelling out a first half goal from German striker Jann-Fiete Arp (21st minute).
