THE REPUBLIC OF Ireland U19s secured their first win of the Uefa European Championship Elite Phase qualifiers as they beat Estonia 1-0 at Ferricarrig Park in Wexford this afternoon.
Kevin Zefi’s 66th-minute penalty was the difference for Tom Mohan’s side. Ireland now face Greece on Tuesday night, with only a win keeping their qualification hopes alive after previously losing to Slovakia.
The home team dominated throughout today and were fully worth their three points.
After a flurry of missed chances, the breakthrough finally arrived shortly after the hour-mark. Mark O’Mahony was fouled in the box, and Inter Milan striker Zefi converted the spot kick.
RESULT | #IRLU19 | 🇮🇪 1-0 🇪🇪
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 25, 2023
Kevin Zefi’s spot kick gives Ireland their first win of the Elite Phase ☘️
They’re back in action on Tuesday vs Greece ⚽️
📍Ferrycarrig Park
⌚️KO 7.30pm
🎟️ https://t.co/Ct3gQGUNqt#COYBIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/FzcFl8kAV8
Ireland, for whom James Abankwah impressed among others, finished with 10 men as James McManus was shown a second yellow card late on, but they held on to set up a Greek showdown.
Republic of Ireland: Mason (GK), Murphy, Abankwah (C), Goulding, Grehan, McJannet, Vata (Ryan 89), Mc Manus, O’Mahony (Lonergan 67), Vaughan (Ferizaj 67), Zefi (Gallagher 89).
Estonia: Nõmm (GK), Kane, Käit, Palutaja, Vaher, Luts (Kolobov 86), Vetkal (C), Õunapuu (Orlov 77), Smirnov (Lehtmets 68), Merilai, Mustmaa (Sillamaa 77).
