REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SOLO -- Mali U17 will deploy a tight defense in the backline without sacrificing their high intensity of attack when Facing France U-17 in the semifinal match of the U17 World Cup 2023. The meeting of the two teams will take place on Tuesday (28/11/2023) at 7 pm at Manahan Stadium, Solo.

The intensity of Mali's attacks is almost always high. That's what they showed when they came up against Mexico (5-0) and Morocco (1-0) in the knockout rounds.

Mali's coach, Soumaila Koulibaly, smiled when asked about it during a press conference ahead of the top four. He explained the team never changed the intensity of their attack.

But ahead the match against Les Bleus, he admitted that his team will provide a bit of variety just as they did against Morocco.

"We suffered a little bit against Morocco, but I let the players express themselves offensively. Regarding the intensity, we will never change it," Koulibaly said on Tuesday afternoon.

Asked whether it is possible to carry out an attack and still maintain the heart of one's own defense, Koublibaly, smiling, confirmed that his team would not stand still. Moreover, the team facing is a European team known for having the most solid defense and quick counter-attack.

"If France say they are going to perform solidly, so do we. Of course our players will also give everything. The most important thing is that the players can build a good defense during the game. Because it will be an open game and we will also make a lot of chances," he stressed.

Making a lot of chances is certainly not just a waste, because in the semi-final they will have the support of the main striker, Mamadou Doumbia, who returned from a red card suspension. Mali, too, are believed to be stepping up their game especially in attack.

After a three-match absence, Mali captain Ibrahim Diarra believes the teammate will have great energy and more motivation to help Mali qualify for the first time to the 2023 U-17 World Cup finals.

Nevertheless, Diarra did not know if Doumbia would be again played by the coach or not in the later match. "For us he is an important player in the team, it is a pity that he got a red card. But we've got reserve players ready to replace him and help us to the semi-finals. We hope they focus mentally," he said.

Doumbia was previously hit with a red card during the qualifying round against Spain. He was also banned for three matches. He didn't go down playing against Canada, Mexico in the Top 16, and Morocco in the quarterfinals yesterday.

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