Canadian women down France to top Group D at FIFA U17 World Cup in Morocco

Canada defeated France 2-1 Saturday to finish atop Group D with its third straight win at the FIFA Women's under-17 World Cup.

Melisa Kekic scored for Canada, which led 1-0 at the half at the Football Academy Mohammed VI in Salé, Morocco. French defender Oceane Moreau Tranchant conceded a second-half own goal.

Lea Morissaint cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 63rd minute as the French mounted a late rally.

The Canadian win was marred by substitute Reed Tingley's sending off in the 86th minute. A disbelieving Tingley, who had set up Canada's second goal, was shown a second yellow card by Australia referee Lara Lee for obstructing a French player as she tried to take a throw-in.

Tingley, who had come on to start the second half, saw her first yellow in the 64th minute for a tackle from behind.

The Canadians, who previously downed Nigeria 4-1 and Samoa 6-0, went into the game tied on points with France but ahead on goal difference (plus-nine compared to plus-three). Both teams had already assured themselves of making the knockout round but France needed a win Saturday to replace Canada atop the group.

The top two teams in each of the six groups, along with the four best third-place finishers, advance to the Round of 16 at the 24-team tournament that runs through Nov. 8.

By winning the group, Canada avoided a Round of 16 date with Spain, runner-up in 2024 and champion in 2018 and '22. France (2-1-0) will face Spain (3-0-0) while Canada will take on a third-place finisher from Group B, E or F on Wednesday.

Canada's best showing at the tournament was fourth in 2018. It made the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012 and 2014.

Canada went ahead in the 14th minute with Kekic roofing the ball from close range after the French failed to deal with