New Zealand's campaign at the Under-17 football World Cup in India is over after a 3-1 loss to African champions Mali.
After a 1-1 draw with Turkey and 4-2 loss to Paraguay in their first two matches, New Zealand had to win to have any chance of advancing from the group stage.
Despite not qualifying for the next round, coach Danny Hay said he's extremely proud of his players efforts.
"We were in a very, very tough group and were more than aware of that," he said after the match.
"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 U-17 side.
"I can't fault us, we were just up against some very good teams."
Mali led 1-0 at the break thanks to brilliant goal from Djemoussa Traore, and they scored early in the second half through Jiddou to extend the lead.
New Zealand pulled one back as substitute Charles Spragg headed home an Elijah cross to halve the deficit.
However, any hopes that the Oceania side had of a comeback ended ten minutes later, as Lassana N'Diaye scored Mali's third goal which saw them move on to the round of 16 along with Paraguay.
Hay said the quality of Mali was at times just too much for them, adding they are one of the favourites to lift the trophy come the end of the tournament.
"You can see the quality there and they're going to go a long way because they're a very good side."
Newshub.