Ford Football Ferns vs Thailand

Saturday 6 April – 3pm

Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch

Watch live and free on FIFA+

The Ford Football Ferns are back in Aotearoa for the first time since the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 to take on world number 47 Thailand at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch. 

The Ferns come into the game off the back of a five game winning run after claiming the OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifier tournament in Samoa and will be looking to make it six in the garden city. 


Likely Team:

Head coach Jitka Klimková has drawn on a strong squad for the two match series with a 17 of the players selected having played at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. 

Experienced defenders CJ Bott, Meikayla Moore and captain Ali Riley are back in the squad after not being part of side that won the OFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers. 

There is also a heap of young talent on display with Aimee Danieli and Emma Pijnenburg included in the squad for the first time and Ruby Nathan and Wellington Phoenix standout Macey Fraser looking to build on their strong performances in Samoa. 

 

Head coach Jitka Klimková on playing at home again: 

I understand much more now what it means for these players and for the whole team to actually play in front of their families and fans. 

We want to keep inspiring and I believe the best way we can do it is to come home to play in New Zealand in front of them and play for them.


Player to Watch: Tiffany Sornpao

US born goalkeeper Tiffany Sornpao has been a regular for Thailand since 2019. 

The 25-year-old came through the US college system and recently moved to Danish powerhouse Brøndby. 

Where to Watch: 

Watch the match live and free on FIFA+ and on TVNZ Duke


Article added: Saturday 06 April 2024