Goals conceded late in each half proved costly for New Zealand as they lost 3-1 to Indonesia in the opening game of the PFF Women’s Tri-National Futsal Invitational Tournament in the Philippines.
The Futsal Ferns took the lead against Indonesia through Britney-Lee Nicholson and looked comfortable in their first full international in four years.
But as the half-time interval approached, quick passing and deadly finishing gave the Indonesians two goals and a 2-1 lead at the break.
Main photo: The Indonesians level the score at 1-1.
The Futsal Ferns were competitive in the second half as they looked for a leveller but the Indonesians finished off the contest with a late third goal.
Indonesia play hosts the Philippines on Thursday and the New Zealanders are back in action at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, on Friday.
The tournament provides New Zealand with the first step towards their campaign to qualify for the inaugural 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.
The Oceania region will be allocated one place at the World Cup and while the qualification process has yet to be confirmed, it’s likely to mirror the pathway for the 2024 FIFA Futsal Men’s World Cup.
Watch the match
The game was live-streamed by the Philippines Football Federation via their Facebook page. Follow the link below to see the match:
Result
Game played on Wednesday October 18, 2023
Indonesia 3
New Zealand 1 (Britney-Lee Nicholson)
New Zealand squad
Sarah Alder | Capital Futsal, NZ
Shivanthi Anthony | Papakura City, NZ
Libby Boobyer | Capital Futsal, NZ
Danielle Bradley | Melbourne Evolution FC, Australia
Jordana Bremner | Papakura City, NZ
Maxine Cooper | Papakura City, NZ
Mackenzie Falco | Canterbury United Pride, NZ
Emily Gillion | Papakura City, NZ
Francesca Grange | Bloomsbury Futsal, England
Ella James | Papakura City, NZ
Hannah Kraakman | Bloomsbury Futsal, England
Tessa Leong | Bloomsbury Futsal, England
Dayna Manak | Bloomsbury Futsal, England s
Britney-Lee Nicholson | Canterbury United Pride, NZ
Fixtures
Game to be played on Thursday October 19, 11pm (NZT)
Philippines v Indonesia
Game to be played on Friday October 20, 11pm (NZT)
New Zealand v Philippines
Game to be played on Saturday October 21, 9pm (NZT)
2nd place v 3rd place
Game to be played on Sunday October 22, 9pm (NZT)
1st place v winner of 2nd/3rd play-off
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