Intercontinental Cup: Kenya beats New Zealand 2-1

Kenya, who play India on Monday, came from behind to defeat New Zealand at Mumbai.

Kenya's Erick Ouma Otieno (right) and New Zealand's Jai Emile Mau'u vie for the ball during the Hero Intercontinental Cup match in Mumbai.

Kenya came from a goal down to defeat a superior New Zealand side 2-1 in an Intercontinental Cup match at the Mumbai Football Arena on Saturday.

While Sarpreet Singh gave the ‘All Whites’ the lead, Miheso Cliffton equalised for the African nation. In the second half, Ovella Ochieng scored the winner at the Mumbai Football Arena.

While New Zealand used 4-4-2 formation, Kenya was adventurous and had an extra man in the attacking third.

Read: Sunil Chhetri: Indian football’s poster boy

Sarpreet broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute with a curling left-footer, which dipped into the far right-corner. Kenya came back strongly in the additional time of the first half and earned a free-kick after Kiwi midfielder Matthew Rindenton brought down John Makwata. Cliffton’s swerving free-kick restored parity.

In the 68th minute, Ochieng slotted home Patilah Omoto's defence splitting pass to give his team the decisive lead.

Kenya now take on hosts India on Monday, where all eyes will be on India skipper Sunil Chhetri, who will appear in his 100th international game.