New Zealand gave up a one-goal lead to go down to Mexico 2-1 in their final match of a four-nation invitational soccer tournament in China.
Striker Amber Hearn put the Football Ferns ahead in the 37th minute, but the Mexicans struck back through Renae Cuellar six minutes later.
Teresa Noyola got the winner midway through the second spell.
It meant New Zealand lost all three matches at the tournament in Chongqing by a one-goal margin, after 1-0 defeats to China and North Korea.
Coach Tony Readings said the Football Ferns let Mexico, who at 25th are ranked nine places below them, off the hook.
"We started fairly brightly and when we went 1-0 up we relaxed and let Mexico back into the game," he said.
"They equalised through some sloppy play by us and we dropped below our standard in the second half."
However, Readings said his side had learnt a lot in the course of the three matches, especially in maintaining possession.
"We have become a lot more comfortable and composed with the ball and we've taken some huge steps, so there are positives moving forwards."
Readings said the next step would be finding a better balance between being patient in possession and being positive in creating goal-scoring opportunities.
The Football Ferns now turn their focus to the Cyprus Cup and a first-round match against Ireland on March 5.
