Kim Hwi Hwang of Korea DPR clashes with Habibou Sofiane of Niger during the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 group D match at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kochi | Photo: Getty imagesKochi: Niger made their maiden apperance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup a memorable one by edging North Korea 1-0 in a Group D encounter here on Saturday night.
Salim Abdourahmane slotted home the winner in the 59th minute.
The victory leaves Niger level on points (3) with Brazil. However, the Latin Americans are in top spot owing to more number of goals scored, two as opposed to one.
After the high-voltage opening match between Brazil and Spain, the tie featuring the debutants and their Asian rivals at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was more of a drab affair. Plenty of spectators too had left the stadium after the big game.
In a first half devoid of clearcut chances, Niger's goalkeeper Khaled Lawali came up with a lovely save to keep out a rasping shot by Hwi Hwang Kim in the 18th minute.
Niger's forward Ibrahim Boubacar shot wide three minutes later.
Lawali again denied the North Koreans in the 37th.
Though Niger upped the ante in the final minutes of the half, North Korea made sure they went into the break unscathed.
The game turned more of a physical battle after Salim's strike.
Niger take on Spain in the first match, while Brazil meet North Korea in Tuesday's second game.
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