The All Whites have gone down fighting, losing 2-1 to Kenya in their opening game of The HERO Intercontinental Cup tonight in wet and humid conditions at the Mumbai Football Arena. 

After India defeated Chinese Taipei 5-0 on the first day of the tournament, New Zealand looked to keep pace with the tournament hosts, but Kenya came from behind in the monsoon conditions to claim the valuable three points.

New Zealand dominated the first 45 minutes and created a number of goal scoring opportunities but lacked the finishing touch. Sarpreet Singh was a constant source of inspiration, alongside Matt Ridenton, and Jai and Dane Ingham combined well down the right-hand flank. The best chance of the night fell to Alex Rufer who hit a shot from the edge of the area well over the bar.

The All Whites deservedly took the lead shortly before halftime through Singh, but Kenya went ahead midway through the second half after Miheso Cliffton and Ovella Ochieng found the back of the net.   

Promising All Whites midfielder Singh continued his dream season when he capped off a fine display with his first goal for the national team. The 19-year-old from the Wellington Phoenix, in only his second start for the All Whites, received a ball from Rufer on the edge of the area and curled in a superb shot to the bottom left corner to beat Matasi in the 44^th minute.

The Kiwis celebrations were short-lived as three minutes later Matt Ridenton conceded a free-kick on the edge of the box. He was the first player in the referee’s book and while there was debate about the challenge, there was no question about the finish from Cliffton. The big powerful midfielder hammered a shot to the top right corner which gave Max Crocombe no chance in goal.

The Kiwis ran to the sheds with a bitter taste in their mouth, but their frustrations grew in the second half. Even though they controlled possession for long periods, they could not create clear cut scoring opportunities in the draining conditions.

They were punished midway through the second half when the All Whites pressed forward and were vulnerable to the counterattack. Ochieng found space and was one on one with the keeper Crocombe and coolly slotted home from the edge of the area to take the lead.

Schmid introduced three players to international football with defender Nikko Boxall starting, while forward Noah Billingsley and defender Justin Gulley came off the bench to make their debuts.  

Billingsley, who came on for Ridenton in the second half, and another second half substitute Myer Bevan had half chances which they could not finish and Kenya held on for the win. They move to level points with India at the top of the table.

New Zealand will look to bounce back from this loss in game one when they take on Chinese Taipei on 5 June and they finish their pool games against India on 7 June.

The HERO Intercontinental Cup
New Zealand 1 (Sarpreet Singh 44’) Kenya 2 (Miheso Cliffton 45’ + 4’, Ovella Ochieng 68’) HT: 1-1

New Zealand: 1. Max Crocombe, 3. Nikko Boxall, 6. Tim Payne (56’ 4. Te Atawhai Hudson Wihongi 56’), 7. Cam Howieson, 9. Alex Rufer (17. Myer Bevan 46’), 11. Jai Ingham (8. Henry Cameron 72’), 16. Dane Ingham (13. Justin Gulley 46’), 18. Matthew Ridenton (10. Noah Billingsley 62’), 19. Thomas Doyle ©, 20. Adam Mitchell, 22. Sarpreet Singh

Substitutes not used: 2. Sam Brotherton, 5. Moses Dyer, 12. Nik Tzanev, 14. Andre de Jong, 15. Clayton Lewis, 21. Liberato Cacace, 23. Michael Woud