New Zealand have been beaten 3–0 by Mali in their opening Group L match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
The North African side, who finished third at the 2023 edition in Indonesia, opened the scoring in the 17th minute when playmaker Seydou Dembele finished off a swift counterattack. The player nicknamed “the little Messi” combined neatly in midfield before guiding a left-footed strike beyond goalkeeper Toby Borgnis.
Dembele was instrumental throughout, orchestrating Mali’s attacks as they dominated possession and tempo. The North Africans registered 14 shots to New Zealand’s four in a first half largely controlled by their pace and technical quality. Ten minutes before the break, Mahamadou Traore forced a fine save from Borgnis to keep the deficit at one.
Mali doubled their advantage ten minutes into the second half when Zoumana Ballo latched onto a precise through ball from Dembele, splitting the New Zealand defence and finishing calmly.
Seeking a way back, New Zealand coach Martin Bullock introduced attackers Ben Perez Baldoni and Justin Cardozo, but the Oceania champions struggled to break through Mali’s organised defence. Aaron Cartwright curled a free kick over the bar in the 79th minute.
Just a minute later, Mali sealed the result as Raymond Bomba raced in behind captain Alex Lienard and rifled a shot into the back of the net to make it 3–0. New Zealand’s best opportunity came late on when Cartwright delivered a pinpoint cross for Cardozo, but his effort flew over the bar. Mali eneded up with 31 shots at goal to New Zealand’s eight.
In the group’s other match, Austria defeated Saudi Arabia 1–0. New Zealand will face the Saudis next on Sunday morning NZT as they look to bounce back.
MALI 3 ( Seydou DEMBELE 17’, Mahamadou TRAORE 55’, Raymond BOMBA 78’)
NEW ZEALAND O
HT 1-0