Ford Football Ferns to Face Chinese Taipei in Crucial April International

New Zealand’s National Team Gears Up for Taiwan Challenge

The Ford Football Ferns have officially confirmed their next international fixtures, preparing to take on Chinese Taipei (FIFA Rank 42) in Taiwan this April. The highly anticipated clash will see the two teams meet on Tuesday, April 8, at Kaohsiung Nanzih Football Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 10:30 PM NZT (6:30 PM local time).

Adding to their preparations, the Ferns will also engage in a behind-closed-doors training match on Saturday, April 5, a move aimed at sharpening their squad before the main fixture.

Building on Momentum

Interim head coach Michael Mayne will lead the team as New Zealand Football continues its search for a permanent head coach. The Ferns enter this encounter following an impressive two-match series against Costa Rica, where they remained undefeated—securing one victory and one draw.

“These two games provide another great opportunity for us to build on the progress we made against Costa Rica,” said Mayne. “In February, we introduced a new playing style, fresh terminology, and tactical concepts, which we believe will elevate our performance moving forward.”

Mayne praised his squad for their adaptability and commitment during the Costa Rica tour and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum. “The team embraced the challenge collectively, and now it’s about refining our approach, studying club performances, and preparing for what will be another valuable test in this new cycle.”

Longer Camp to Aid Development

The upcoming matches in Taiwan will also provide the Ferns with an extended training camp—an aspect that Mayne views as essential for their growth. “Spending more time together allows us to fine-tune our strategy, and the combination of a closed-door training match followed by an official international fixture is the perfect setup for us at this stage.”

With Chinese Taipei providing a fresh challenge, the Ferns will be looking to further solidify their evolving style and tactical prowess as they continue their journey towards long-term success.