U-20 FIFA World Cup: Mali upset Mexico

Mali players celebrate their opening goal in their 2-0 upset win over Mexico. Photo / Getty Images

Mali pulled off the first major upset of the Fifa Under-20 World Cup with a stunning 2-0 win against Mexico in Dunedin this afternoon.

The West Africans, who spent the majority of the first half defending, scored two goals within a few minutes after Mexico were reduced to nine men.

Adama Traore headed in the first goal in the 76th minute via a pin-point free kick by Youssouf Kone, before Dieudonne Gbakle sealed the win with his left-boot three minutes later.

Gbakle, the standout Mali player throughout the match, danced through a few defenders into the box, before sliding the ball past goalkeeper Raul Gudino and into the bottom right-hand corner.

The goals followed a flurry of red cards early in the second half, two to Mexico and one to Mali.

Mexico lost forward Diego Gama, a second half substitute, and Oscar Bernal in the 66th and 69th minute, while Mali lost defender Hamidou Maiga in the 56th.

Maiga was the first to go, picking up two yellow-cards within five minutes. He fouled Gama and Hirving Lozano in the 51st and 56th minute, leaving German referee Felix Zwayer with no choice but to send him packing.

But just when Mexico thought it had an advantage, Gama received a straight red card after dragging down Diadie Samassekou by his collar off the ball.

It got worse moments later when Bernal picked up a second yellow-card to go with the one he received in the first half.

The shock loss comes as a big blow to Mexico, one of the pre-tournament favorites.