At Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia: All Whites 1 (Chris Wood pen-91’) Democratic Republic of the Congo 1 (Cédric Bakambu 46’) HT: 0-0
All Whites captain Chris Wood rescued a 1-1 draw with DR Congo when he stepped up to convert a penalty in the 91st minute of their international friendly in Spain on Saturday (NZT).
Wood coolly buried his spot kick to the right of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to draw New Zealand level in stoppage time.
The Nottingham Forest striker won the penalty after being pushed over in the box by Gedeon Kalulu.
Wood’s 34th goal for New Zealand saved the All Whites blushes after a mix-up at the back 21 seconds into the second half handed DR Congo the lead.
Left-back Liberato Cacace cushioned a header back to goalkeeper Nik Tzanev after trying to deal with a hopeful ball from Samuel Moutoussamy.
But the header lacked power and Tzanev did not come for the ball, allowing Cédric Bakambu to pounce.
He took one touch to get past Tzanev before scoring with a simple tap-in.
The All Whites had a great chance to snatch the win moments after Wood drew level from the penalty spot.
Bill Tuiloma picked out Max Mata with a first-time ball but the substitute striker’s header was swatted clear by Mpasi.
The All Whites welcomed back Sarpreet Singh for the first time since January last year and the playmaker provided plenty of glimpses of his game-breaking abilities with a strong performance on his return from injury.
The Hansa Rostock midfielder created New Zealand’s first real chance of the game when he produced a disguised ball over the top of the DR Congo defence, but the ball got tangled at Wood’s feet and he was unable to capitalise.
In the second half, Singh showed wonderful footwork as he danced his way through defence before laying the ball off for Callum McCowatt, but Mpasi was alert to the danger and saved McCowatt’s shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Aside from the mistake which gave DR Congo the lead, Tzanev was barely tested in the New Zealand goal.
Theo Bongonda cut inside Cacace and got a shot away midway through the first half but his effort flashed wide of the post and struck the side netting.
Bongonda tried to catch the All Whites on the counter in the second half but Michael Boxall tracked him all the way and prevented him from getting a shot away.
