The Ford Football Ferns have endured a goalless draw in a gritty match against Morocco in Malaga, Spain.

The match was the first between these nations, with Morocco coached by 2023 FIFA World Cup winning coach Jorge Vilda.

New Zealand made a fast start to the friendly and forced early saves from Morocco’s goalkeeper in the opening minutes which included a curling shot from Milly Clegg just outside the box.

But Vic Esson’s first involvement would come soon after, the Kiwi goalkeeper smothered a dangerous Moroccan attack as the Ford Football Ferns could’ve quite easily been a goal down despite their early dominance.

Esson would come to the rescue again in even more impressive fashion midway through the first half. The Ferns shot stopper making two diving saves to deny Morocco, her second stop one for the highlights reel as she spectacularly stretched to palm a long-range rocket onto the bar.

Esson’s efforts ensured the match remained goalless at the break.

New Zealand started the second half with intent and were nearly rewarded as Katie Kitching’s venomous shot thundered against the crossbar. Her strike bounced perilously close to the goal line as replays suggested the ball could’ve crossed the line but without VAR or goal line technology match officials weren’t able to confirm the goal. Deven Jackson followed up the resulting rebound but was unable to guide her header home.

Morocco responded with a couple of warning shots of their own, but their attempts went wide of Vic Esson’s goal as the match remained goalless deep into the second half.

As the margins became finer, Claudia Bunge left nothing to chance and was booked for a foul as Morocco mounted a threatening attack in the 78^th minute.

New Zealand pushed hard for a winner with fresh legs on the field. Substitute Jacqui Hand almost found the game’s winner in the 84^th minute but volleyed high as Milly Clegg caused a chaos in the Moroccan penalty box.

The Ford Football Ferns with an improved final outing in this international window, but unable to come away with a victory as the match ended 0-0.

Fulltime

Ford Football Ferns 0 

Morocco 0

Article added: Wednesday 10 June 2026