Daniela Montoya of Colombia celebrates her goal with Carolina Arias of Colombia and Viviana Acosta of Colombia. Colombia v New Zealand Football Ferns Women’s International Friendly at Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, Bogotá, Colombia on Tuesday 5 December 2023. Photo credit: Colombia Football Federation Photo: Colombia Football Federatiion
The Football Ferns have been beaten 1-0 by Colombia in their second friendly in Bogota, their final match of the year.
It follows their 0-0 draw at the weekend.
The Colombians had the better of the game and were worthy winners.
The homeside grabbed the only goal in the 71st minute when New Zealand failed to clear properly from a corner and a long range shot from Daniela Montoya beat the defence.
Katie Bowen, filling in as captain with Rebekah Stott out ill and Ali Riley out injured, made her 100th appearance for the Football Ferns.
Katie Bowen of New Zealand. Colombia v New Zealand Football Ferns Women’s International Friendly soccer match at Estadio El Campin, Bogotá, Colombia on Saturday 2 December 2023. Photo credit: Fernando Vergara / www.photosport.nz Photo: Fernando Vergara / www.photosport.nz
There was just one change to the starting eleven with Kate Taylor replacing late withdrawal Stott, while Ruby Nathan made her debut in the second half.
The match was played behind closed doors at the request of the Colombian Football Federation.
Much like the first game, Colombia created more chances and had multiple scoring opportunities, though the Football Ferns defended doggedly.
New Zealand again failed to score, which coach Jitka Klimkova lamented post match.
Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimkova. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"In attack...we need to get better. We need to be more aware about the spaces. We need to be more sophisticated on the ball so we can possess more.
"Defensively, we were very solid. It was a little bit unfortunate with the goal that we conceded, but it was not easy for them to go through us.
The Football Ferns now turn their attention to qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics with an Oceania qualifying tournament scheduled for Samoa in February.
The winner of the eight team tournament will qualify for the Games.
The Football Ferns finish 2023 with two wins from 16 games having scored just five goals.
