Turner’s Cross thriller ends all square as Ireland U21s fight back
In a pulsating European U21 qualifier at Turner’s Cross, the Republic of Ireland U21s staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 2-2 draw with Slovakia U21. The result keeps Jim Crawford’s side in the hunt in Group D, while extending Ireland’s impressive home run to 12 consecutive fixtures without defeat.
Early heartbreak and a defining turning point
The encounter began with intent from both sides, but it exploded into life inside the first four minutes. Ireland failed to clear a deep free-kick, and the danger was compounded when Slovakia forward Daniel Danihel spun on the ball and fired a left-footed strike that deflected off Mason Melia and into the net for an own goal.
Just 86 seconds later, a determined Ireland equaliser arrived. Seán Grehan’s long throw-in wasn’t dealt with, and amid a scramble, Cathal McCarthy flicked the ball into Jamie Mullins’ path. The Wycombe Wanderers midfielder did the rest, unleashing a fierce volley into the bottom corner to restore parity.
From that moment, the tempo remained high as Rocco Vata tested both sides’ goalkeepers and Ireland sought to establish a foothold in midfield.
Defensive shuffles and a dramatic late twist
Jim Crawford reshuffled his defense, handing David Okagbue his first competitive U21 start at centre-back while captain James Abankwah moved to right-back. Jacob Slater also returned to the lineup at full-back, and Adam Murphy came into midfield, signaling a broader tactical approach from the Irish manager.
As the game settled, Slovakia nudged ahead again through a second set-piece deflection. A corner led to an eventual finish via a deflection off Grehan’s heel, wrong-footing goalkeeper Noah Jauny and sending the visitors into the lead as the first half drew to a close.
With the clock ticking after the break, Ireland pushed forward and levelled once more. A quick throw-in created a golden opening: Adam Murphy delivered a teasing cross that looked set to be cleared, but goalkeeper Adam Hrdina failed to grasp the ball cleanly, and Jad Hakiki reacted sharply to slot home, earning his first international goal for the U21s.
Hakiki’s equaliser and Ayinde’s late impact
Hakiki’s leveller came just past the hour mark and sparked a flurry of chances as Ireland chased the winner. Leon Ayinde—on his home debut for the U21s—made an immediate impact, showing pace and skill on the left before a hamstring injury curtailed his involvement for the night. Ayinde’s introduction also signalled Ireland’s intent to press for a late breakthrough.
The closing stages almost produced a dramatic winner for Slovakia when Nino Marcelli struck a fierce shot that hit the crossbar twice in quick succession—first off the woodwork, then off Jauny’s head before ricocheting back onto the crossbar and into the grateful captain’s arms. The escape kept Ireland level, sealing a share of the spoils in a match dripping with competitive intensity.
What the result means for Group D and what’s next
Ireland remained second in Group D on goal difference, trailing Slovakia but with a game in hand, as Jim Crawford’s side aimed to turn the home advantage at Turner’s Cross into more points on the road. The draw continues an unbeaten sequence at home and provides a platform to build ahead of the next fixture—a trip to England, the reigning European champions, where the Irish will look to maintain momentum.
Key personnel changes appeared to offer renewed balance for Ireland, with Okagbue’s defensive presence and Slater’s attacking instincts contributing to a more robust performance. The team’s grit and adaptability were on full display as they twice overturned deficits against a strong Slovakia outfit.
Individual notes and turning points
Jad Hakiki’s equalising goal was a pivotal moment, but the night will be remembered for the late near-miss from Marcelli and Jauny’s heroic closing stops. Ireland will hope the positives—resilience, improved wide-play, and the growing impact of young talents like Hakiki, Murphy, and Vata—translate into more consistent results as they push toward European U21 qualification.
Republic of Ireland U21s starting XI and manager’s notes: 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).
