1 Jul 2015

All Whites to play Myanmar

4:22 pm on 1 July 2015

The All Whites will face Myanmar on September 7th in Yangon, New Zealand Football has confirmed.

Coach Anthony Hudson's New Zealand side will travel to the Asian nation for a week-long camp in the build-up to the international clash.

All Whites coach Anthony Hudson

All Whites coach Anthony Hudson Photo: Photosport

NZ Football high performance director Fred de Jong said the September game is another important one for the team on the road to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

"We're delighted to have secured another opponent from the strong Asian Confederation for the FIFA window in September," de Jong said.

"Crucially, the fixture also includes provision for another extended camp in Myanmar as Anthony and the team continue to build towards the first Oceania qualifying step on the road to Russia.

"We are working on further fixtures for the FIFA Windows later in the year and we expect to be in a position to announce these shortly."

Winston Reid in action for the All Whites.

All Whites captain Winston Reid Photo: Photosport

Playing in their opening 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June; Myanmar were beaten 2-0 by Korea Republic after a 2-2 draw with Laos and a 1-0 defeat to Cambodia.

The All Whites have met Myanmar twice before, with a 2-0 win coming in Seoul in 1976 before a 1-1 draw in Kuala Lumpur in 1980.

The men's Under-20 side faced Myanmar in the group stage of the recent FIFA Under-20 World Cup, the Junior All Whites claiming a 5-1 win in Wellington.

Captain Bill Tuiloma and Clayton Lewis celebrate a goal against Myanmar

Captain Bill Tuiloma and Clayton Lewis celebrate a goal against Myanmar Photo: PHOTOSPORT