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The Football Ferns scrapped to a 0-0 draw with Morocco in Spain yesterday.
The Malaga game was the first between the two nations, and a good test for the Ferns against an African side coached by 2023 Fifa World Cup winner Jorge Vilda.
New Zealand made a fast start to the friendly and forced early saves from Morocco’s goalkeeper in the opening minutes, which included a curling shot from Milly Clegg just outside the box.
But Vic Esson’s first involvement would come soon after, the Kiwi goalkeeper smothering a dangerous Moroccan attack as the Football Ferns could have easily gone a goal down despite their early dominance.
Esson came to the rescue again in even more impressive fashion midway through the first half.
The Ferns goalie made two diving saves to deny Morocco, her second stop one for the highlight reel as she spectacularly stretched to palm a long-range rocket on to the bar.
Esson’s efforts ensured the match remained goalless at the break.
New Zealand started the second half with intent and were nearly rewarded, as Katie Kitching’s venomous shot thundered against the crossbar.
Her strike bounced perilously close to the goal line as replays suggested the ball could have crossed the line, but without VAR or goal-line technology, match officials were not able to confirm the goal.
Deven Jackson followed up the resulting rebound but was unable to guide her header home.
Morocco responded with a couple of warning shots of their own, but their attempts went wide of Esson’s goal as the match remained goal-less deep into the second half.
As the margins became finer, Claudia Bunge left nothing to chance and was booked for a foul as Morocco mounted a threatening attack in the 78th minute.
Substitute Jacqui Hand almost found the winner for New Zealand in the 84th minute but volleyed high as Clegg caused chaos in the Moroccan penalty box.
It was an improved outing in this international window for the Football Ferns, following their 2-1 loss to Haiti. — Allied Media