New Zealand started their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign on a high with a 2-1 victory over Guinea on the opening day of the competition.
The match, which was live on NBS Sport, saw goals from Matthew Garbett and Ben Waine secure the win for New Zealand, and also set the tone for a promising tournament ahead.
Despite being the underdogs, New Zealand seized the initiative early in the match. Captain Matthew Garbett redeemed himself spectacularly after missing a penalty kick in the 24th minute to score just one minute later.
The captain capitalised on a poor clearance by Guinea’s goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla, dodged through the defense, and slotted the ball home to give the Oly Whites a deserved lead.
Guinea, who were making their first Olympic appearance in over fifty years, showed they were not to be underestimated.
The team fought back fiercely, and Aliou Balde appeared to have equalised, only for VAR to rule the goal offside.
Undeterred, Guinea finally found the back of the net in the 73rd minute when Amadou Diawara fired a rocket from 20 yards out, leveling the score and raising the stakes.
The match intensified, and just four minutes after Guinea’s equaliser, New Zealand’s Ben Waine struck the decisive blow to restore New Zealand’s lead.
As the match drew to a close under the scorching 30°C heat in Nice, New Zealand faced immense pressure from a determined Guinea side.
However, the Oly Whites held firm and secured the victory, which places them in a strong position in Group A, which also features formidable opponents like hosts France and the USA.
France lead the group, after their 3-0 win over USA later in the day, courtesy of goals from Alexandre Lacazette, Michael Olise and Loic Bade
New Zealand, who reached the quarterfinals in Tokyo three years ago, will look to build on this momentum as they aim for a deep run in the tournament.
