Categories: Sports

Ireland U21 fight back to earn a share of spoils in dramatic draw with Slovakia

Ireland U21 fight back to earn a share of spoils in dramatic draw with Slovakia

Drama at Turner’s Cross as Ireland U21s fight back

The Republic of Ireland U21s battled back from behind twice to earn a deserved point in a pulsating European Under-21 qualifier against Slovakia, finishing 2-2 at Turner’s Cross. It was a night of twists, deflections and goalkeeping mishaps, capped by a late, heart-stopping moment that tested the home crowd to the limit.

Early blows and a chaotic opening

The match exploded into life inside the first four minutes as both sides traded moments. Ireland conceded from a wicked deflection off Mason Melia after a deep Slovakia free-kick, with Daniel Danihel’s effort rifling into the path of a defender and ultimately beating Noah Jauny at the near post. The start was far from ideal for Jim Crawford’s evolving squad, who had rotated personnel and formations ahead of this Group D clash.

Only 86 seconds later, the hosts drew level in spectacular fashion. Seán Grehan’s long throw found its way loose in the box and, after a scramble, Jamie Mullins unleashed a fierce half-volley into the bottom corner to open the scoring for the home side.

The rest of the half settled into a more measured rhythm, with Rocco Vata and his contemporaries looking to unlock a structured Slovakian defence. Jauny was forced into action again as Tadeas Hajovsky tested the Irish goalkeeper with a powerful drive, while Ireland’s tactical shape saw captain James Abankwah shifting to right-back to accommodate Peterborough United’s David Okagbue at centre-back.

Second-half turnaround and the Hakiki moment

Slovakia regained the lead just after the hour mark. From a corner, a defensive mix-up allowed Grehan to clear only as far as Matej Riznic, whose low strike deflected off Grehan and beat Jauny, leaving Ireland facing a two-goal hurdle to climb.

Moments later, Hakiki’s moment of magic started to tilt the game back Ireland’s way. A quick throw-in led to an error when Slovakia keeper Adam Hrdina opted to claim what appeared to be a routine cross, only to drop the ball straight to Hakiki. The Sligo Rovers forward needed no second invitation to slot a deflected shot into the net, pulling the score back to 2-1 and giving Ireland renewed belief.

The Cork-born forward’s equaliser was one of several bright moments in a match filled with end-to-end action and chances at both ends. The Irish attack looked dangerous throughout, with Cathal McCarthy dropping deep to support and Jad Hakiki injecting tempo and craft on the right flank after being introduced as a substitute early in the second half.

Late drama and a near-miss for Slovakia

With the clock winding down, Ireland pressed for a winner, and Leon Ayinde made an immediate impact after his Ireland debut on home soil. His contribution, along with Vata’s industry on the left, kept Slovakia pegged back and created additional openings, though the decisive moment would come at the other end. In a thrilling late sequence, Nino Marcelli’s shot hit the crossbar twice in quick succession—first via a deflection off Jauny’s head and then bouncing back off the underside of the bar before being cleared to safety by the goalkeeper.

One more set-piece test followed as Mullins earned a dangerous free-kick, which Ireland could not capitalise on, and the night closed with Jauny making a crucial save to deny Hajovsky at the death.

What it means for Ireland and the road ahead

The result means Ireland extend their unbeaten home run to 12 games but remain second in Group D on goal difference behind Slovakia. The U21s will head to England’s setup in Birmingham next, facing the European champions who also hold a game in hand, in a test of their growing resilience and consistency under Jim Crawford.

Crawford made three changes to the side that beat Andorra 1-0 last month, including a reshuffle at the back that saw captain James Abankwah move to right-back and Okagbue make his first competitive U21 start at centre-back. The collective efforts of the defense, the creative spark from midfield, and Hakiki’s influential showings off the bench underscored a team capable of rising to the occasion when it matters most.

Squad notes

Starting XI: Noah Jauny; James Abankwah, David Okagbue, Seán Grehan, Jacob Slater; Cathal McCarthy (Michael Noonan 68), Jamie Mullins, Adam Murphy; Jad Hakiki (Leon Ayinde 68) (Trent Kone-Doherty 74), Mason Melia, Rocco Vata (Mark O’Mahony 90+2).

Ayinde’s substitute appearance provided a bright moment, but an injury cut his night short, adding to the drama and the sense that this U21 group continues to learn on the fly as they push for qualification glory.