Cyprus U-17 2-3 Republic of Ireland U-17
The Republic of Ireland are heading to the UEFA European Under-17 Championships in Hungary after a 3-2 win over hosts Cyprus, thanks to a 96th-minute winner by Nickson Okosun.
Ireland had trailed 2-1 heading into the last 10 minutes before a fantastic solo goal by Naj Razi levelled the game up and Okosun, who was on the field of play for just two minutes, showed brilliant composure to fire home right at the death.
Cyprus had led through Chrysis Evangelou in the 39th minute before a second-half comeback led by St Patrick’s Athletic’s Luke Kehir, who hit a stunning free-kick to make it 1-1.
Ioannas Avramadis put Cyprus back in front before Ireland hit two late goals.
Ireland headed into the game knowing that they had to equal or better Italy or Ukraine’s result to secure automatic qualification.
The first clear-cut opportunity of the game fell to the Cypriots in the 14th minute. Panagiotis Andreou got between the Irish defence and curled an effort towards the bottom corner that was superbly tipped wide by Jason Healy.
In the 21st minute, Ireland struck the bar. Kehir sized up an effort from distance but his effort cannoned off the woodwork and behind for a goal kick.
Mason Melia had a glorious chance just after the half-hour mark when he was put in one-on-one with Papakonstantinou, but the Cyprus captain in goal produced a fine save to palm it behind.
The hosts took the lead in the 38th minute. Evangelou was allowed to dribble his way into the penalty area before firing into the top corner from a tight angle.
Colin O’Brien introduced Romeo Akachukwu after the interval and the Waterford FC player almost got Ireland back in it when his low drive flashed across the face of goal in the 55th minute.
Cyprus had a huge chance to double their lead in the 65th minute when Evangelou latched onto a loose ball but his effort dragged just wide of Healy’s goal.
A minute later, Ireland were level. Kehir struck a fine free-kick that left Papakonstantinou with no chance.
However, the hosts were back ahead in the 73rd minute. A long ball over the top caught out the Irish backline and Avramidis ran through and finished to make it 2-1.
Cyprus were down to 10 men when George Socratous was given a second yellow for bringing down Ike Orazi.
It presented Kehir with another free-kick opportunity but the goalkeeper matched the effort.
Razi fired Ireland back on level terms in the 82nd minute with a superb individual effort. The Shamrock Rovers forward raced through on goal, showing great pace to beat the defenders, and finished past the goalkeeper to give Ireland hope.
Melia had a great chance to win it late on when he pounced on hesitancy from Papakonstantinou and tried to round the goalkeeper. He attempted to finish from 18 yards out but struck it over the bar.
Then into injury time, Okosun was introduced as a substitute to replace goalscorer Kehir. The change would prove invaluable as Razi took it upon himself to drive at the Cyprus goal, he found Okosun with a pinpoint pass and the Bohemians striker took one touch before applying a sublime finish.
Cyprus: Papakonstantinou (C), Socratous, Yiannakou, Mikelides, Nikolaou, Hadjigerorgiou (Pirinzis, 80), Angeli (Avramidis, 61), Kattirtzs (Poursaitides, 61), Andreou, Evangelou (Loukadis, 71), Isaak (Konstantinou, 70).
Republic of Ireland: Healy, Harnett (Moore, 51), Babb, Ashbee, McAndrew (Akachukwu,46), Kehir (Okosun, 94), McGrath (C), Razi, Orazi (Murray, 85), Melia.
Referee: Jasper Vergoote (Belgium).
