Mali ends NZ’s hopes at U17 tournament

AUCKLAND: New Zealand has failed to survive the group stage of the Under17 World Cup in India, bowing out with a 31 loss to Mali.

The Kiwis needed a win to progress through the competition after drawing 11 with Turkey and losing 42 to Paraguay in their two other matches.

Despite the return of captain Max Mata from suspension, the New Zealand side again found itself behind early, with Mali’s Salam Jiddou scoring a longrange stunner in the 18th minute.

The African champion capitalised on its dominant possession, restricting New Zealand to threats from set pieces, before extending its lead early in the second half, thanks to another topnotch goal from Djemoussa Traore.

Charles Spragg later gave the New Zealanders a glimmer of hope, calmly heading in a well placed cross from Elijah Just in the 72nd minute. But the comeback was not to be, with Mali’s Lassana Ndiaye cementing his side’s win with a late strike.

The loss sent the Kiwis packing and Mali through the knockout stage, along with group winner Paraguay.

New Zealand Under17 coach Danny Hay put a positive spin on the outcome.

‘‘We were in a very, very tough group and were more than aware of that,’’ Hay said following the loss.

‘‘We played against three very good sides and our attitude, application and the quality of football was at times I think better than it ever has been from a New Zealand Under17 side.’’

He was also full of praise for the Mali team.

‘‘You can see the quality there, and they’re going to go a long way because they’re a very good side,’’ he said. — NZN