On the eve of his team's opener against Turkey in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, he had clearly labelled his opponents as favourites. Being underdogs in their opening game worked for the Kiwis as they held favourites Turkey to a 1-1 draw in the Group B encounter played at the DY Patil Stadium on Friday evening. The contest between the burly New Zealand and the skilful Turkey went on the expected lines with the latter dominating the game. A perfect cross from Kerem Kesgin following a corner saw Ahmed easily head Turkey home to a comfortable lead. Mata struck a left-footer from the centre of the box, leaving Turkey goalkeeper Berke Ozer, thanks to an regulation pass from mid-fielder Ellijah Just.

Source: dna October 07, 2017 02:37 UTC