Hamish Donnison and the NZ U17’s have returned home from their World Cup campaign in Qatar. In their opening match the team went down three nil to a strong Mali side. In their second game NZ showed real spirit. Saudi Arabia struck early, but Matias Núñez pulled one back in the second half, and substitute Jack Perniskie flicked in a brilliant equaliser late in the 83rd minute. Unfortunately, NZ couldn’t hold on — Saudi Arabia won it with a stoppage-time goal.
In the final group game, Austria struck first early in the second half, but NZ responded brilliantly with an equaliser in the 82nd minute. Despite that spark, Austria came alive late, scoring three goals in a short span to secure a 4–1 win.
Despite the results, these young players showed courage, growth, and moments of real quality on the world stage. The experience they’ve earned here will shape the next generation of Kiwi football; the future looks bright.