Inexperienced NZ goes down to Kenya

WELLINGTON: An inexperienced All Whites side lost its opening game at the Intercontinental Cup in India yesterday, falling 21 to Kenya.

The New Zealand team opened the scoring late in the first half, when teenage midfielder Sarpreet Singh put his side ahead 10 in Mumbai.

But Kenya, at world No 111 ranked 22 places ahead of the Kiwis, equalised right on the stroke of halftime.

It netted the winner with about 20 minutes remaining.

The match was played in hot conditions, although the effects of that were slightly softened by rain which began to fall about 15 minutes after the start of play.

The All Whites’ next match at the tournament is against Chinese Taipei on Wednesday.

Singh’s goal came towards the end of a largely dominant first half from his side, the Wellington Phoenix product curling his shot home from the edge of the penalty box having made his way in from the left.

Kenya equalised moments later through a Clifton Miheso freekick, an opportunity which came after a Matt Ridenton challenge, and was stronger in the second half.

The winner eventually came in the 66th minute, Ovella Ochieng beating All Whites goalkeeper Max Crocombe after New Zealand gave up possession in the middle of the field.

Nikko Boxall, Justin Gulley and Noah Billingsley all made their senior international debuts for New Zealand in the match. — RNZ