Our Bureau
Auckland
The Indian men’s football team suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat against New Zealand in the first of their two international friendlies at Go Media Stadium in Auckland on Thursday. An early own goal by Bijoy Varghese, followed by a brace from Jesse Randall, put the hosts firmly in control, while Chris Wood and Lachlan Bayliss added two more goals in the second half to complete the rout.
New Zealand opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Varghese inadvertently turned the ball into his own net during a scramble inside the penalty area. India struggled to contain the hosts’ attacking pressure, with Randall extending their lead in the 34th minute before scoring again just before half-time to make it 3-0.
India captain Anirudh Thapa, leading the national side for the first time since 2018, attempted to organise the midfield as the hosts continued to dominate possession. India came close to creating an opportunity in the 19th minute when Ryan Williams’ cut-back found Manvir Singh inside the box, but the forward was denied by a timely defensive block.
Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was among India’s few standout performers, producing several crucial saves to prevent an even bigger defeat. Returning to the national team for the first time since June, Kaith also saved a second-half penalty from Bill Tuiloma in the 78th minute.
India head coach Khalid Jamil made five changes at half-time, introducing fresh players in an attempt to improve the team’s performance. However, Wood headed home New Zealand’s fourth goal in the 57th minute before Bayliss struck in the 74th minute to seal the 5-0 victory.
The defeat extends India’s difficult run against teams that participated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following losses to Brazil and Uruguay in the previous international window.
India will now look to bounce back when both sides meet again in the second friendly at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on November 15.