Ireland U21s fight back to earn a valuable draw against Slovakia U21
Republic of Ireland U21s secured a share of the spoils in a gripping European Under-21 qualifier at Turner’s Cross, drawing 2-2 with Slovakia U21. The home crowd of 3,872 witnessed a match packed with early momentum shifts, goals from deflections, and late drama, as Jim Crawford’s side extended an unbeaten home run while keeping their hopes of progressing in Group D alive.
Early chaos and a defensive scramble
The game exploded into life within four minutes, a start that set the tone for an encounter full of quick breaks and anxious moments. Ireland were first to make a mistake, mismanaging a deep free-kick, and shortly afterwards an otherwise routine strike from Slovakia’s Daniel Danihel acquired a cruel deflection off Mason Melia, steering the ball past Noah Jauny for an own goal. It was a cruel opener and immediately put the hosts on the back foot.
Ireland hit back through a stunning strike
Just over a minute later, the pendulum swung back as Seán Grehan’s long throw-in was not cleared by Slovakia. In the ensuing scramble, Cathal McCarthy flicked the ball into Jamie Mullins’ path, and the Wycombe Wanderers midfielder unleashed a powerful half-volley into the bottom corner to restore parity. It was a rapid reminder of Ireland’s resilience and their intent to press Slovakia high up the pitch.
Defensive checks and a second setback
The match settled into a rhythm, with chances for both sides. Sligo Rovers forward Jad Hakiki tested the visitors’ goal, while Jauny had to be at his best to deny Tadeas Hajovsky’s fierce attempt. A chalk-and-cheese moment came for Ireland when Melia was booked for a penalty appeal as the referee ruled the forward had gone down too easily. The half ended with Slovakia edging ahead again through a second deflection, as a corner fell to Grehan’s marker on the edge of the box and a piece of fortune helped the ball land at Rytis’ feet, Frore? No—this time the effort deflected off Grehan and wrongfooted Jauny to roll in.
Hakiki’s leveller and a debut spark
With halftime thoughts replaced by renewed determination after the break, Ireland pushed for an equaliser. Hakiki, who would later become a key figure, struck on the hour after a misjudged catch by Slovakia’s goalkeeper Adam Hrdina. The ball bounced his way from a quick throw-in, and Hakiki’s deflected shot found the net to restore parity and set up a tense finale.
A night of dramatic late drama
The closing minutes delivered heart-in-mouth moments. Ireland’s Ce: Leon Ayinde, making his home debut, produced a lively cameo before pulling up with a hamstring issue, while Vata and Kelly remained a constant threat on the left flank. In the 89th minute, Slovakia almost sealed the win when Nino Marcelli struck a shot that hit the crossbar twice in the most extraordinary fashion: it rebounded off Jauny’s head to the crossbar again and was gratefully gathered by the Irish keeper. The momentum shifted, and the final whistle confirmed a 2-2 draw.
Implications and what’s next for Ireland U21s
ireland now sit second in Group D on goal difference behind Slovakia, with a longer road ahead as they chase a place in the later stages of the European U21 qualifiers. The result extends Ireland’s unbeaten home run to 12 games, a record they will look to extend when they travel to Birmingham for a clash with European champions England. While England hold a game in hand, Crawford’s side will be keen to capitalise on any slip-ups from group leaders and continue improving ahead of those crucial fixtures.
Team selection and notable performances
Crawford rang the changes from the 1-0 win over Andorra, introducing fresh legs in defense with Peterborough United’s David Okagbue starting at centre-back and captain James Abankwah moving to right-back. Jacob Slater reclaimed the other full-back slot, while Adam Murphy came into midfield. Jad Hakiki’s first U21 goal proved decisive, and Seán Grehan’s early influence in the build-up play underlined the evolving balance of this Ireland side as they push toward qualification.
Republic of Ireland U21 starting XI (partial): Noah Jauny; James Abankwah, David Okagbue, Seán Grehan, Jacob Slater; Cathal McCarthy, Jamie Mullins, Adam Murphy; Jad Hakiki (Leon Ayinde 68), Mason Melia, Rocco Vata.
