Saudi Arabia got off to a fast start after great work from Abdulaziz Alfawaz from the right with his cross taking a lucky deflection off Abdulrahman Sufyani that looped over New Zealand custodian Toby Borgnis for the opener in the second minute.

The AFC U17 Asian Cup™ 2025 runners-up kept hold of their lead until the half-time whistle.

A long range strike from Matias Nunez in the 55th minute which hit Abubaker Saeed before landing in the bottom corner saw New Zealand drawing level.

Saudi Arabia restored their lead three minutes later thanks to a quick counter attack with Alfawaz sending Sabri Dahal through to calmly slot past Borgnis.

New Zealand drew level for a second time in the 83rd minute when substitute Jack Perniskie produced a deft touch in the box to beat Abdulrahman Alotaibi.

Just when it looked like the match would end in a stalemate, Saudi Arabia dug deep to grab the winner in the first minute of stoppage time, Saeed dribbling in from the right before finding the far corner with a low curler.

Photos: Saudi Arabia Football Federation