Republic of Ireland 5-0 Romania
Republic of Ireland Under-19s have made a superb start to their Euro Elite Qualifying campaign in Krasnador after recording a 5-0 win over Romania this morning.
Jonathan Afolabi and Will Smallbone, both of Southampton, scored a goal in each half, while Marco Ehmann also scored an own goal.
St Patrick’s Athletic goalkeeper Brian Maher, named Under-18 Player of the Year on Sunday, saved a penalty with the score at 5-0.
Ireland must top Group 1 if they are to qualify for the 2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championships in Armenia and face the host nation Russia and Azerbaijan in the next week.
Ireland last qualified for the Under-19 finals tournament in 2011 when they reached the semi-finals.
Next up is Azerbaijan, in Krasnador again, on Saturday morning (9am) before facing Russia at 2pm on Tuesday 26 March.
Mohan said: "The team did very well today. We were clinical with our chances early on. It was a very mature performance from the team in both halves.
"Romania weren't as easy opponents as the 5-0 scoreline suggests. They were very difficult to play against.
"We have to park our own game now and focus on Azerbaijan. It's a big game for us. We can build on today's performance, but there are areas to improve in."
Republic of Ireland team: Brian Maher, Andy Lyons (Tom Gaston 84), Oisin McEntee, Jack James (Mark McGuinness 80), Kameron Ledwidge; Jason Knight, Aaron Bolger, Will Smallbone (Luca Connell 71), Ali Reghba (Richie O’Farrell 71), Will Ferry (Tyriek Wright 80), Jonathan Afolabi.
