The Republic of Ireland Under-16s found an equaliser 20 minutes from time to earn a well-deserved 1-1 friendly draw against France this evening in Guingamp.
France led at half-time through Katuta’s 31st minute goal but the resilient Irish side made their second half pressure pay off through a strike from substitute Gearoid Morrissey.
The Ringmahon Rangers player had just entered the fray when, with his first touch of the ball, he struck a shot from the edge of the area that took a deflection off a French defender and hit the back of the net.
It was no more that Ireland deserved on the night as they created a number of chances to score through Aaron Doran, Darragh Satelle and Ronan Murray.
The hosts dominated the first half but Ireland regrouped after the break and were well worthy of a draw.
Vincent Butler's side remain unbeaten in their three matches so far this season, following their two drawn games against Croatia played away earlier this month.
The two teams meet again on Thursday in Saint Brieuc (Kick-off 6.30pm local time).
Republic of Ireland XI:
Harry Lee (Charlton Athletic)
Niall Byrne (Home Farm)
Mark Power (Aston Villa)
John Dunleavy (Ballybofey United)
Kallum Keane (Derby County)
David Cawley (Ballina Town)
Aaron Doran (Blackburn Rovers)
Richard Towell (Crumlin United)
Darragh Satelle (Celtic)
Ronan Murray (Erris United)
Greg Cunningham (Mervue United)
Substitutes:
Conor Hourihane (Douglas Hall) for Cawley (53 mins)
David O’Brien (Crumlin United) for Cunningham (50 mins)
Gearoid Morrissey (Ringmahon Rangers) for Power (69 mins)
Shane Howard (Crumlin United) for Satelle (73 mins)
