- Salim Abdourahmane - 59'
Abdourahmane gives Niger win on World Cup debut
Salim Abdourahmane's 59th minute strike helped debutants Niger eke out a 1-0 win over North Korea in their Group D opener at the U-17 World Cup in Kochi on Saturday.
Niger started on the front foot, but Ibrahim Boubacar's right-footed shot from the right side of the box was blocked by the Korean backline. In the 10th minute, there was another missed attempt as Habibou Sofiane's long-ranger from the left missed the target.
Korea created occasional chances but failed to threaten the Niger defence. Before the first half drew to a close, Sin Kwang Sok's right footed shot from more than 35 yards went high and wide to the right following a corner.
Djibrilla Ibrahim's header from the centre of the box off a Karim Tinni cross went to left, and Habibou Sofiane's attempt from the right side was saved.
In the second half, both Niger and North Korea created opportunities, but all their efforts culminated in only one goal.
Eight minutes were added to the regulation time because of injury-related breaks, but Niger held on for the win.
Game Information
FIFA Under-17 World Cup Standings
| Team | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina U17 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +5 | 6 |
| Senegal U17 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +2 | 6 |
| Japan U17 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | +1 | 6 |
| Poland U17 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -8 | 0 |
FIFA U-17 World Cup News