The New Zealand U-20 men’s team surrendered a first-half lead to lose 3-1 to Guatemala in an international friendly played in Indonesia.
The game was the first of three being played by the Darren Bazeley-coached team at a four-team mini-tournament to prepare for the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup to be held in Indonesia from May 20 to June 11, 2023.
Other teams are Fiji — who qualified for the World Cup with New Zealand when the two teams reached the final of last year’s OFC U-19 Championship — host nation Indonesia, and Guatemala, who have qualified through the CONCACAF region.
READ MORE: Our coverage of the PSSI tournament is here >>>>
READ MORE: Past winners England, Brazil and France to join New Zealand at U-20 Men’s World Cup >>>>
In Friday’s opening game, New Zealand took an 8th-minute lead through Melville United striker Oliver Colloty, who has been trying to find a pro contract with English clubs over the New Zealand summer.
He won the ball in the Guatemala box, turned and fired an angled shot inside the far post.
READ MORE: Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers ‘join race to sign’ Melville’s Oliver Colloty >>>>
However, the Guatemala team came to life in the second half and punished New Zealand with three goals.
Daniel Cardoza struck a powerful shot from 45 metres that gave New Zealand goalkeeper Matt Foord little chance.
On the hour, Jefry Bantes put Guatemala in front with a header.
With 10 minutes to go, Luca Avendendo made sure of the win, when he finished off a set play that saw the ball pushed across the face of the New Zealand goal.
Indonesia is hosting the tournament ahead of the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup.
The games are being played at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, and it is understood New Zealand replaced the Dominican Republic at the PSSI Invitational tournament.
The republic has also qualified for the World Cup.
Nine New Zealand players miss match through travel delays
Nine members of the New Zealand squad missed the opening game because of travel issues caused by weather.
READ MORE: Nine members of national U-20 squad miss tournament opener due to travel issues >>>>
Main photo: The New Zealand starting line-up.
Match highlights
Result
Game played on Friday February 17, 2023
New Zealand 1 (Oliver Colloty 8′)
Guatemala 3 (Daniel Cardoza 54′, Jefrey Bantes 60′, Luca Avendendo 81′)
New Zealand squad
Matt Foord, Aaryan Raj, Adam Supyk, Everton O’Leary, Jackson Jarvie, Roman Engle, Josh Galletly, Oliver Middleton, Kian Donkers, Oliver Colloty, William Pierce, Jay Herdman, Oscar Obel Hall, Ty Cobb.
Nine more players were still to join the squad but had not yet arrived in Jakarta due to travel delays.
Fixtures
Game to be played on Monday February 20, 2023
Indonesia v New Zealand
Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, 12.30am (NZT)
Game to be played on Tuesday February 21, 2023
Fiji v New Zealand
Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, 10.30pm (NZT)
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