Randall double as All Whites ease to win over India
The All Whites started their series against India in emphatic fashion, beating the visitors 5-0 in Auckland.
The result is the All Whites’ biggest winning margin over non-Oceania opposition since beating Saudia Arabia 5-0 in 1981.
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In front of more than 10,000 fans at Go Media Stadium, New Zealand put on a clinic in first home match since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opening the scoring in the 5th minute.
After winning the ball back high up the pitch, All Whites midfielder Matt Garbett set up Lachie Bayliss, whose shot towards the bottom left corner was saved Vishal Kaith. The rebound caused mayhem in the India box, as their defence failed to clear their lines with Pramveer Singh’s attempted clearance hitting Bijoy Varghese's knee before going in.
It nearly took half an hour for the All Whites to find the back of the net again. Some good work between Bayliss and Garbett in midfield saw them regain possession before a sliding pass for Jesse Randall who drove into the box. The Dundee United winger’s deflected shot escaping India’s outstretched goalkeeper.
Less than 10 minutes later Randall had his brace and have the All Whites’ their 3-0 halftime lead. Randall’s press forcing Pramveer into a mistake, the winger pouncing on the loose ball to side-foot home from close range.
Fans didn’t have to wait long for the goals to flow after the break with the fourth goal arguably bringing the biggest cheer too in the 54th minute. Chris Wood latching on to a pin point cross from Callan Elliot to head home in style his record extending 46th goal for the All Whites.
Auckland FC midfielder Lachie Bayliss also had a moment to savour for the All Whites playing at his A-League home ground. Bayliss scoring his maiden international goal in the 74th minute after arriving into the heart of the box to lash home a pile driver finish past Kaith for New Zealand’s 5th of the night.
Tonight’s international also one to remember for Wellington Phoenix trio, Corban Piper, Matt Sheridan and Nathan Walker who all made their debuts for the All Whites in the second half.
A penalty save from India’s goalkeeper Kaith preventing the scoreline from being even more one sided, getting down quickly to deny Bill Tuiloma’s spot kick in the 78th minute.
The All Whites next play India on Sunday in what will be the first-ever international football match at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
Both games are part of a series of sporting events to celebrate ‘100 Years of Unity Through Sport’ between India and Aotearoa New Zealand.
All Whites 5 Bijoy Varghese 5' (OG), Jesse Randall 34', 43’, Chris Wood 57', Lachlan Bayliss 75'
India 0
