India lose 0-5 to New Zealand in Auckland friendly
Jesse Randall scored twice as the Blue Tigers suffered a heavy defeat in their first international friendly in New Zealand.
The Indian men's national football team suffered a 0-5 defeat against New Zealand in their first international friendly of the November window at the Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Thursday.
According to Sportstar, New Zealand opened the scoring in the fifth minute when a cutback from Jesse Randall was deflected into the net by Bijoy Varghese. Randall then scored twice in the 34th and 43rd minutes to extend the lead.
New Zealand captain Chris Wood scored in the 57th minute with a header from a Callan Elliot cross. Lachlan Bayliss added a fifth goal in the 75th minute with a half-volleyed strike following a cross from Liam Gillion.
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, making his first appearance since last June, made several saves, including a clinical stop to deny a penalty from Bill Tuiloma in the 78th minute to prevent a sixth goal.
The loss extends a poor run for head coach Khalid Jamil, as India has conceded 11 goals while scoring one in their last two matches, reported Sportstar.
The two sides are scheduled to meet again in Christchurch on Sunday, according to The Tribune.
