African teams continued to make an impact at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, with Cote d’Ivoire and Mali producing the biggest wins on Saturday.

Cote d’Ivoire overwhelmed Rwanda 5-0 at the Hovsan sports complex in Baku, while Mali went one better by beating Botswana 7-1. Guinea, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritania and Niger also secured victories as the second round of fixtures brought further success for the continent’s representatives.

The tournament is being played in an eight-a-side format and is the first edition of the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival, giving young players from around the world the chance to face international opposition.

Cote d’Ivoire made a rapid start against Rwanda, scoring twice in the opening 10 minutes. Willi Otokore opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Okoma Kouassi doubled the advantage a minute later.

The Elephanteaux continued to apply pressure after the interval, with Dramane Diarrassouba adding a third in the 23rd minute. Amara Kone struck in the 32nd minute and Junior Soumahoro completed the scoring four minutes later.

Mali’s victory over Botswana was even more emphatic. Alhassane Haidara scored three times, finding the net in the seventh, 18th and 27th minutes.

Mohamed Diawara added two more goals for Mali, scoring in the ninth and 25th minutes, while Seydou Sinayoko also claimed a brace with goals in the 28th and 38th minutes. Botswana scored once but were unable to prevent a heavy defeat.

Guinea began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Canada. Seydouba Camara put Guinea ahead in the ninth minute and Naby Sylla extended their lead eight minutes later.

Madagascar also won an all-African meeting, overcoming Mozambique 2-0. Toky Razafiarimanana opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Francisco Fanomezanjanahary added a second 10 minutes later.

Comoros made a winning start by defeating Montserrat 3-1, with Abdallah Salim scoring twice. Mauritania edged past Vanuatu 1-0, while Niger beat Chad 2-1.

The results followed earlier African victories in the competition. Algeria defeated Argentina 1-0, Cameroon beat Senegal 3-0 and Morocco overcame the Philippines 2-0, ensuring the continent’s teams remained prominent at the tournament in Baku.