A double-strike from Bray Wanderers teenage sensation Eamonn Zayed gave Ireland's U-20s a deserved 3-2 victory over hosts United Arab Emirates in sweltering conditions in Abu Dhabi today. Brian Kerr's side were stuuned early on when the fell behind to a fourth minute strike from Mohammed, but Zayed, the only home based player in today's line-up, levelled nine minutes later.
Hamed restored UAE's lead eight minutes after the break, but Blackburn's John Fitzgerald struck for the equaliser just three minutes later. However, Zayed had the final say with a 66th minute winner, which will give Ireland a boost going into the final game against France on Friday.
Ireland lost their opening game 2-1 to Korea, while the UAE and France drew 1-1 in their opening encounter. Korea play France this evening.
Filed by Shane Murray
