The All Whites started their campaign to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a 1-0 win against a strong Papua New Guinea side today in Qatar.

A much changed All Whites side from spring international friendlies took to the field at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. This is due to the tournament falling partially outside of the FIFA international window meaning clubs are under no obligation to release the players before the window opens. 

The side saw a debut start goal for Wellington Phoenix keeper Oli Sail. Head coach Danny Hay had been looking to bring Sail in to previous camps but it hadn’t been possible because of the challenges of Covid. The team also saw Cam Howieson, Kosta Barbarouses and Dane Ingham selected for the first time under Danny Hay’s All Whites tenure.

After a cagey opening 15 minutes, the All Whites grew into the games carving out good chances but failing to get past an in form Ronald Warison in the Papua New Guinea net. On 33 minutes, a smart Cam Howieson pull back found Andre de Jong on the edge of the box who fired just over the bar. Two minutes later Dalton Wilkins, making his starting debut, beat his man, crossing to Matt Garbett who again was denied by the Papua New Guinea keeper at close range. Shots from Joe Champness and again Matt Garbett threatened the Kapuls defence but it stayed goalless at the break. 

The second half continued where the first had left off, with the All Whites dominating possession and chances without breaking the deadlock. 

On the 52th minute a Clayton Lewis corner found Joe Champness’s head a few yards from goal. The winger fired goalward forcing Papua New Guinea to clear on the line. On 65 minutes Andre de Jong looked to be fouled in the box but the penalty was denied. 

With just over 20 minutes of the game remaining, Wellington Phoenix duo Ben Waine and Ben Old were introduced for Andre de Jong and Cam Howieson. Both players were making their All Whites debuts after being part of the successful Tokyo 2022 campaign. 

10 minutes later Ben Waine had a goal to go with his debut appearance. Matt Garbett’s quick thinking from a freekick found Dane Ingham who crossed to Waine to finish from close range. Deadlock broken. 

The final minutes saw the crossbar hit twice from substitute Logan Rogerson and Matt Garbett but Ben Waine’s goal proved the difference as the match ended 1-0. 

After the game Head Coach Danny Hay spoke to media about the performance:

“Papua New Guinea are a good team. They are tough. They are tough to play against…

“Their keeper made a couple of good saves in the first half… we hit the crossbar twice as well. Missed a couple of gilt-edged chances. That’s football sometimes. 

“But we got the job done. Got the three points. I’m really happy with the level of the professionalism from the team.”

New Zealand 1 (Waine 76’)
Papua New Guinea 0

Article added: Friday 18 March 2022