Mali and Cote d’Ivoire delivered the standout performances as the second round of matches at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival brought further success for African nations in Azerbaijan.

Mali overwhelmed Botswana 7-1, while Cote d’Ivoire recorded a 5-0 victory over Rwanda at the Hovsan Sports Complex in Baku. Guinea, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritania and Niger also secured positive results on Saturday.

The tournament, being staged for the first time, is played in an eight-a-side format and brings young players from around the world together for international competition.

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

Dramane Diarrassouba added a third in the 23rd minute, with Amara Kone extending the lead nine minutes after half-time. Junior Soumahoro completed the scoring in the 36th minute as the Elephanteaux produced one of the day’s most convincing displays.

Mali went one better in terms of goals, with Alhassane Haidara scoring three times in a dominant victory over Botswana. He found the net in the seventh, 18th and 27th minutes to complete his hat-trick.

Mohamed Diawara struck twice, scoring in the ninth and 25th minutes, while Seydou Sinayoko also claimed a double with goals in the 28th and 38th minutes.

Guinea began their campaign with a 2-1 win against Canada. Seydouba Camara put them ahead in the ninth minute and Naby Sylla added a second eight minutes later.

Madagascar won an all-African meeting with Mozambique 2-0. The two countries face each other across the Mozambique Channel, and Madagascar settled the contest through goals from Toky Razafiarimanana in the 19th minute and Francisco Fanomezanjanahary in the 29th.

Comoros also made a winning start, beating Montserrat 3-1 with Abdallah Salim scoring twice.

Mauritania edged past Vanuatu 1-0, while Niger claimed a 2-1 victory over Chad.

The latest results followed earlier African wins in the competition. Algeria defeated Argentina 1-0, Cameroon beat Senegal 3-0 and Morocco overcame the Philippines 2-0. The matches are being played at the Hovsan Sports Complex in Baku.