All Whites captain Chris Wood rescues draw with late penalty against DR Congo

But the header lacked power and Tzanev did not come for the ball, allowing DR Congo striker Cédric Bakambu to pounce.

He took one touch to get past Tzanev before scoring with a simple tap-in.

The All Whites had a great chance to snatch a win against an opponent ranked 40 places above them moments after Wood drew level from the penalty spot.

Bill Tuiloma picked out Max Mata with a first-time ball but the substitute striker’s header was swatted clear by Mpasi.

The Hansa Rostock midfielder created New Zealand’s first real chance of the game when Wood was fed a wonderful ball over the DRC defence, but the ball remained stuck at Wood’s feet and he was unable to capitalise.
Singh created another chance in the second half when he danced through the defense before passing the ball to Callum McCowatt, but Mpasi was alert to the danger and blocked McCowatt’s shot from the edge of the box.
Apart from the mistake that led to DRC, Tzanev was not tested in his first start since 2018 in goal for New Zealand.
Livewire Theo Bongonda cut inside Cacace and got a shot off midway through the first half, but his effort flew wide of the post and into the side-netting.
Bongonda tried to hit the Whites on the counter in the second half, but Michael Boxall followed him all the way and made a crucial save to prevent DRC from scoring. 18-year-old centre-back Tyler Bindon made his All Whites debut late in the match.
The All Whites now travel to England to face Australia in the Ashes in London on Wednesday