The All Whites returned to Aotearoa with a commanding 4-0 victory over Malaysia in an international friendly at North Harbour Stadium, marking their first match on home soil in 2024.

Head coach Darren Bazeley fielded a strong side, making only four changes from the team that defeated Tahiti 3-0 in Vanuatu on Friday during their first 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Alex Paulsen earned his first home start for the All Whites, replacing Max Crocombe in goal, while Michael Boxall, Storm Roux, and Ben Waine came in for Nando Pijnaker, Tim Payne, and Chris Wood, respectively. In Wood's absence, Liberato Cacace captained the side for the first time at home.

The All Whites dominated from the outset, creating numerous chances in the first half. The best opportunity fell to Ben Old, whose curling effort forced a good save from Malaysian keeper Syihan Hazmi, but they couldn't find the breakthrough.

The second half saw the pressure continue to build, with Malaysia struggling to keep pace with the All Whites' fast-paced play.
 

In the 53rd minute, the All Whites' dominance finally paid off. Liberato Cacace, a standout throughout the match, provided a cross for Eli Just, who slid in to finish, netting his second goal in as many games.

Just eight minutes later, it was 2-0. Again, Cacace delivered the assist, cutting back from the left side to find Matt Garbett on the edge of the box, who precisely slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.

The crowd of over 8,000 erupted in the 62nd minute as Chris Wood entered the field to replace Ben Waine. 

Within 10 minutes, Wood had his name on the scoresheet, cleverly heading a cross that was touched by the keeper into the back of the net for the team's third goal of the night—his 36th for the All Whites.

Substitute Logan Rogerson capped off the scoring in injury time with arguably the best finish of the night, firing a rocket from the edge of the box into the top corner, giving Auckland FC fans a preview of what to expect next weekend.

This match marked a hugely successful return to Aotearoa for the team, ahead of their important 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Vanuatu and Samoa next month in Hamilton and Auckland.

Tickets for those games can be booked through Ticketek.

Final Score:
 

All Whites – 4 (53’ Eli Just, 61’ Matt Garbett, 72’ Chris Wood, 90’ Logan Rogerson)
Malaysia – 0

Article added: Monday 14 October 2024