Own goal, Randall's brace headline New Zealand's 5-0 rout of India in Auckland friendly

Image credit: Indian Football

India suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat against New Zealand in an international friendly in Auckland on Thursday.The All Whites dominated the match from start to finish, scoring three goals in the first half before adding two more after the break.India's night got off to a poor start when defender B. Varghese scored an own goal in the fifth minute to give New Zealand the lead.

J. Randall then struck twice, scoring in the 34th and 43rd minutes. M. Garbett provided the assist for the first goal as New Zealand went into half-time with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The hosts continued their dominance after the restart, with C. Wood making it 4-0 in the 57th minute. L. Bayliss added the fifth goal in the 77th minute, finishing off an assist from L.

Gillion.New Zealand had a chance to extend their lead further when they were awarded a penalty in the 78th minute. However, B. Tuiloma failed to convert, with goalkeeper V. Kaith making the save.India struggled to create enough attacking threat throughout the contest as New Zealand cruised to a comprehensive victory.The two sides will next meet on Sunday in the second friendly at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.