New Zealand face Panama in an international friendly in Panama City on Thursday, 1 October. The match at Estadio Rommel Fernandez offers Darren Bazeley's side a final test before the next phase of World Cup qualifying.
Darren Bazeley will look to continue the momentum from a 3-0 victory over China four days earlier. Tyler Bindon, Ben Waine and Oli Parker-Price scored the goals in that win, which ended a five-match winless run.
Defender Liberato Cacace is unavailable for the trip due to a muscle injury. Panama, ranked 44th in the world, will be without Andrés Andrade and Yoel Bárcenas through injury.
The team will look to carry their improved defensive performance, after conceding ten goals in their first three qualifiers, into this contest.
New Zealand drew 1-1 with Panama on Tuesday, 1 October, before winning 5-3 on penalties to reach the Kirin Cup final. The All Whites will face Japan or Ecuador in the final on Monday, 5 October. Defender Tyler Bindon scored the first penalty in the shootout, manager Darren Bazeley confirmed. New Zealand's recent form is now one win, two draws and two losses from their last five matches.
