The All Whites have managed to snare a late draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo thanks to a converted penalty from captain Chris Wood in added time.
Wood delivered from the spot in the 91st minute to give New Zealand a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in Spain this morning, easily burying his kick towards the bottom right of the goal to beat keeper Lionel Mpasi.
It was also Wood who won the penalty initially after he was pushed over in the box by Gedeon Kalulu moments after Matt Garbett tried to catch DR Congo napping with a quick free kick.
The goal was Wood's 34th for New Zealand and extends his record for 104th-ranked Aotearoa after the World No.64 Congolese caught the All Whites napping with a goal just 21 seconds after halftime.
A mix-up at the back allowed Cedric Bakambu to strike for DR Congo as a soft header from Liberato Cacace to keeper Nik Tzanev was instead intercepted and put away without hesitation.
Despite the setback, the All Whites looked the more promising on attack throughout the match and even had a chance to steal a win after Wood's late equaliser but Mpasi managed to deny Max Mata.
There was still plenty for coach Darren Bazeley to be pleased about though, including seeing Sarpreet Singh back in the All Whites kit for the first time since January last year having finally recovered from his long-term groin injury.
Teen defender Tyler Bindon, who recently swapped allegiance from the US to represent New Zealand, was also given his debut late in the match.
The All Whites now head to England to play Australia for the Soccer Ashes in London on Wednesday.
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