On the afternoon of October 14, the Malaysian team will have a match against New Zealand during FIFA Days in October 2024.
Coach Pau Marti Vicente's players entered the match in high spirits after winning both of their matches in September. They continued their good form against New Zealand, who are ranked 95th in the FIFA rankings.
Malaysia played a tight game in the first half and made things difficult for the home team, keeping the score at 0-0 until the end. However, in the second half, they could not maintain the game as New Zealand started to increase the pressure.
In the 53rd minute, striker Henry Just opened the scoring for New Zealand. This was his second consecutive match, after helping New Zealand beat Tahiti 3-0. Just 8 minutes later, young talent Matthew Garbett scored to bring the score to 2-0 for the home team.
Despite leading 2-0, New Zealand still brought in two experienced players, Payne and Chris Wood. On the other side of the field, Malaysia coach Pau Marti Vicente also made many changes, but could not make a difference. Malaysia was completely overwhelmed and could only defend passively.
In the 72nd minute, Nottingham's Premier League star Chris Wood scored to make it 3-0 for New Zealand. In the 90th minute, substitute Rogerson sealed a 4-0 victory for the home team.
Malaysia is scheduled to play its only friendly match against India in November. This will be the last match for the team nicknamed "The Tigers" before the 2024 ASEAN Cup begins.
