Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Mamadou Doumbia hit a hat-trick as Mali kicked off their Group B campaign of FIFA U-17 World Cup Indonesia 2023 on Friday. with a 3-0 victory over Uzbekistan.

Doumbia opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, skilfully rounding goalkeeper Muhammadyusuf Sobirov and slotting home despite Ozodbek Uktamov’s attempt to clear the ball on the line.

He doubled their advantage from the penalty spot on 72 minutes after the outstanding Ibrahim Kanate was upended in the box. And Doumbia quickly completed his treble with a predatory close-range finish to cap a dream opening game.

Uzbekistan meet Canada, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain in their opener, next on Monday.  

Islamic Republic of Iran open their Group C campaign against Brazil on Saturday while Japan meet Poland in Group D.