Christchurch, November 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Indian men’s national football team suffered a 0-3 defeat against New Zealand in their second international friendly of the November window at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday.
India resisted sustained early pressure before Finn Surman opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. James McGarry doubled New Zealand’s lead in the 40th minute, while Chris Wood added a third just three minutes later to give the hosts a commanding half-time advantage.
New Zealand dominated possession from the start, keeping India pinned inside their own half. Ryan Williams captained India for the first time, while head coach Khalid Jamil made five changes to the starting XI from the first friendly, bringing in Ashique Kuruniyan, Jay Gupta, Mehtab Singh, Mohammed Sanan and Roshan Singh Naorem, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
India adopted a compact formation with a five-man defence, but New Zealand continued to create chances. Surman headed home Callum McCowatt’s corner to break the deadlock. After goalkeeper Vishal Kaith made several saves, McGarry converted Owen Parker-Price’s pass in the 40th minute. Wood then found the net following a combination between Matthew Garbett and Jesse Randall.
Jamil made three changes at half-time, introducing Bijoy Varghese, Pramveer and debutant goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari. Tiwari made an immediate impact, denying McCowatt in the 55th minute and collecting the follow-up effort from Francis De Vries.
India introduced Lalrinliana Hnamte, Muhammad Suhail, Liston Colaco and Tomba Singh Haobam just before the hour mark. The visitors managed an opportunity in the 81st minute when Tomba and Hnamte set up Liston, but his long-range attempt went over the crossbar.
New Zealand came close to scoring a fourth in the 86th minute, but Bijoy Varghese cleared Alex Rufer’s goal-bound header off the line after Tiwari had been drawn away from his goal. India avoided further damage but could not reduce the deficit.
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