The New Zealand Football Ferns faced a challenging end to their 2023 campaign with a 1-0 defeat against Colombia in their second friendly match in Bogota.
The loss followed a hard-fought 0-0 draw over the weekend, leaving the Football Ferns with mixed results in their final matches of the year.
The Colombians emerged as the worthy winners, dominating the game and securing the decisive goal in the 71st minute. The moment came when New Zealand failed to clear a corner properly, leading to a long-range shot from Daniela Montoya that beat the defense.
Despite the setback, the match marked a significant milestone for Katie Bowen, who stepped in as captain in the absence of Rebekah Stott and Ali Riley. Bowen celebrated her 100th appearance for the Football Ferns, a remarkable achievement that showcased her dedication and commitment to the team.
Coach Jitka Klimkova, while acknowledging the team’s defensive efforts, expressed disappointment in the post-match analysis, particularly emphasizing New Zealand’s inability to find the back of the net for the second consecutive game.
