New Zealand were held to a 2-2 draw by Palestine in an international friendly on Thursday. Goals from Ben Waine and Jesse Randall were cancelled out by strikes from A. Al Hamlawi and O. Dabbagh at the Tongliang Long Stadium.
The All Whites took the lead after just five minutes through Waine. Palestine equalised midway through the first half before Randall restored the New Zealand advantage ten minutes later. Dabbagh ensured the scores were level at the break with a goal just before half-time.
Neither side could find a winner in the second period, with the match finishing all square. The result extends New Zealand's winless run to five games, a sequence that includes three defeats and two draws.
Darren Bazeley's side now sit fourth in their World Cup qualifying group with one point from three matches. They are four points behind the group leaders, Belgium.
New Zealand's next match is away to China on Sunday, 27 September.
New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley confirmed three players will make their international debuts during the team's four-game tour of Asia. Bazeley said George Stanger, Stipe Ukich and Henry Gray are set to earn their first caps. The coach stated he plans to rotate the squad to assess players in different roles. New Zealand, who sit fourth in their World Cup qualifying group with one point from three games, drew 2-2 with Palestine on Thursday. Bazeley said, "We'll definitely look to rotate and look to give people opportunities."
