Quickfire Goals Complete Ford Football Ferns Defeat To Haiti
The Ford Football Ferns have fallen to a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Haiti this morning in Spain.
The result was New Zealand’s first defeat in five matches.
The friendly played in Malaga was the first time these two nations had met in women’s international football and after the All Whites’ maiden encounter with Haiti earlier this week.
After a cagey opening quarter where half chances fell to both sides, Haiti grew into the contest although were unable to formulate any concrete chances.
In fact, it looked like it’d be goalless at the break until a deep free kick in the 41st minute from Michaela Foster found Claudia Bunge in the Haitian box. The defender burying her header into the back of the net to open the scoring.
The goal was Bunge’s second international strike.
The Haitian response was almost immediate with New Zealand goalkeeper Alina Santos forced into action minutes after the opener.
Haiti pilled on the pressure in the dying minutes of the first half, eventually getting their desired result seconds before the halftime whistle. Haitian skipper Nerilia Mondesir guiding in a freekick from the right-hand touchline in stoppage time.
The second half started in the worst possible fashion for the Ferns, with Haiti turning the scoreline around through another set piece move which was latched on at the back post by Lourdjina Etienne in 47th minute.
From there, Haiti were able to control the pace of the game with the scoreline in their favour, much to the Ford Football Ferns’ frustration who were unable to create chances in the second half.
The best opportunity of an equaliser for New Zealand coming in the 86th minute, with Maggie Jenkins unable to control a pass which had her through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Jenkins nearly redeemed herself in stoppage time, her shot on the edge of the box forcing a diving save from Haiti’s shot stopper.
The Ford Football Ferns’ next match in Malaga is against Morocco on 10 June with kick off at 4am NZT and will be available live and free on TVNZ+.
Article added: Saturday 06 June 2026