Captain Chris Wood (right) scored the match-winning goal in the fifth minute against Oman in Muscat.

An early goal from striker Chris Wood was good enough to earn the All Whites a 1-0 win over Oman, finally giving coach Anthony Hudson his first win in charge.

The result in Muscat on Friday (NZ time) ended a winless stretch of more than two years, covering 13 matches since a 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in early September 2013.

Englishman Hudson took over from Ricki Herbert in late 2014 and New Zealand slowly slid to an all-time ranking low of 159.

But resolute defence got them home against the 92nd ranked Oman.

Four players made their senior debut in the All Whites' final match of 2015 as Henry Cameron and Sam Brotherton started the game while second half substitutes Logan Rogerson and Te Atawhai-Hudson Wihongi also recorded their first senior cap.

Blackpool FC teenager Cameron made a bright start, his energy and thrust creating the first scoring chance for Wood in behind the Oman defence in the fifth minute.

The All Whites captain was released into the area and the Leeds United striker composed himself before curling an excellent finish beyond Oman goalkeeper and captain Ali Al Habsi.

"It was a big performance because we only had a couple of days on the training pitch," Hudson said.

"I think the key was us trying to progress what we were doing, but also having a real basic game plan to stay in the game as long as possible because we knew coming here against team unbeaten at home it was going to be very tough.

"Overall I'm very pleased with the performance."

Hudson hailed the effort of the young contingent.

"I think one or two of our players have probably got their chance a little bit sooner because we've had a lot of injuries. Every time they've stepped up they've handled the occasion very well.

"It's another real step forward in their progression and we've added a few more players to what we're doing in terms of experience."

Hudson felt the result was a boost for a team continuing to work towards their first 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in 2016.

"I think we showed a lot of character tonight and we took a step forward in terms of togetherness.

"The bigger picture has always been we are preparing for the Nations Cup and this will give us confidence we can go to a team that's one of the best in west Asia and get a result."

Oman – unbeaten in five World Cup qualifiers this year - responded to going behind, increasing their tempo in possession to create several scoring chances without profiting.

Ahmed Mubarek and Saad Suhail both squandered good opportunities with clear sights of Stefan Marinovic's goal in the first 15 minutes, but from there the All Whites' defensive unit settled and did well during the rest of the first period, despite the hosts controlling possession for large periods.

With time winding down in the first 45 minutes, Cameron's debut was cut short due to injury with the teenager stretchered off and he was replaced by Alex Rufer.

The tempo slowed in the second half as Hudson's side retained their defensive shape, despite the absence of regular skipper Winston Reid.

They limited the hosts to long-range shooting chances while New Zealand gained more confidence on the ball.

Although the hosts pressed for an equaliser in the final stages, the All Whites stood firm and prevented any clear scoring chances to secure a munch-needed win for the New Zealand side.

SCOREBOARD

New Zealand 1-0 Oman

HT: 1-0 NZL: Chris Wood 5min

New Zealand: 25. Stefan Marinovic (GK), 4. Themi Tzimopoulos, 5. Michael Boxall, 6. Clayton Lewis (24. Logan Rogerson 67'), 8. Michael McGlinchey, 9. Chris Wood, 11. Marco Rojas (15. Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi 80'), 14. Ryan Thomas, 16. Louis Fenton, 17. Sam Brotherton, 20. Henry Cameron (18. Alex Rufer 42') Substitutes not used: 12. Max Crocombe (GK), 19. Thomas Doyle, 21. Nik Tzanev (GK), Injured: Kosta Barbarouses