Republic of Ireland 3 - 2 Cyprus | 2023 - UEFA Under-17 Championship | 2036871

UEFA European Under-17 Championship | Stelios Kyriakides Stadium, Paphos
13 March 2023 - 00:00 (15:00 local time)

Republic of Ireland 3 - 2 Cyprus

Kehir(68) Razi(82) Okosun(90+6) full-time Evangelou(39) Avramidis(73)
Republic of Ireland Cyprus

REPORT | MU17 | Late winner sends Ireland to U17 EUROs

Republic of Ireland Men’s Under-17s are heading to the UEFA European Under-17s Championships Finals in Hungary after a 3-2 win over hosts Cyprus thanks to a 96th minute winner by Nickson Okosun.
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14th Mar 2023

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 and 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.
 
At half-time Colin O’Brien introduced Romeo Akachukwu and the Waterford man 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 the 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. Pat’s 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 for 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 pin-point pass and the Bohemians striker took one touch before applying a sublime finish.
 
The Italy game ended 3-0 to the Italians but Ireland qualified through goals scored and are now heading to the European Championships in May.

Speaking after the game, Republic of Ireland Men's Under-17s Head Coach Colin O'Brien, who has now qualified for four finals, said:  “The players have had a huge education when it comes to tournament football. They’ve played tough opposition, they’ve played with 10 men, against 10 men and they’ve had to deal with swings in momentum in a game. They’ve done their clubs proud and the clubs must take credit for their development.

“They’re a super squad, I felt like we were the strongest squad here. It’s a great day for Irish football, for Irish youth football and it goes to show just how much talent we have in this country - that's players and coaches. I want to thank the players and the staff for their hard work, they’ve been excellent.”

 
Republic of Ireland:  Healy, Harnett (Moore, 51), Babb, Ashbee, O'Sullivan, McAndrew (Akachukwu,46), Kehir (Okosun, 94), McGrath (C), Razi, Orazi (Murray, 85), Melia
 
Cyprus:
Papakonstantinou (C), Socratous, Yiannakou, Mikelides, Nikolaou, Hadjigerorgiou (Pirinzis, 80), Angeli (Avramidis, 61), Kattirtzs (Poursaitides, 61), Andreou, Evangelou (Loukadis, 71), Isaak (Konstantinou, 70)
 
Referee: Jasper Vergoote (Belgium)
 
UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite Round Results

Tuesday, March 7 | Italy MU17 2-2 Ireland MU17
 
Friday, March 10 |  Ireland MU17 3-0 Ukraine MU17
 
Monday, March 13 | Cyprus MU17 2-3 Ireland MU17

Tactical Lineups

Republic of Ireland

1 Healy (G) 2 Babb 3 O'Sullivan 6 Negry-McGrath (C) 8 Mcandrews 10 Razi 11 Orazi 12 Kehir 13 Harnett 18 Ashbee 19 Melia

Coach

Colin O'Brien

Cyprus

12 Papakonstantinou (G)(C) 3 Nikolaou 4 Yiannakou 5 Mikelides 8 Kattirtzis 10 Andreou 13 Angeli 14 Socratous 16 Hadjigeorgiou 17 Evangelou 20 Isaak

Substitutes

  • 1 Anastasios Pishias (G)
  • 2 Andreas Pirintzis
  • 6 Ioannis Avramidis
  • 7 Christos Loukaidis
  • 9 Andreas Konstantinou
  • 11 Constantinos Poursaitides
  • 15 Petros Paschali
  • 18 Savvas Sofokleous
  • 19 Dimitrianos Tzouliou

Coach

Constantinos Charalambides

Officials

  • Referee Jasper Vergoote
  • Assistant Referees Michael Geerolf
  • UEFA Delegate Jānis Mežeckis
  • Assistant Referee Two Amer Macić
  • Fourth Official Antoni Bandić
  • Referee Observer Alexandru Deaconu

Minute by Minute Commentary

  • 1" The match is under way.
  • 3" Symeon Hadjigeorgiou (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Niall Mcandrews (Republic of Ireland).
  • 3" Niall Mcandrews (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 5" Panagiotis Andreou (Cyprus) has an effort on goal.
  • 5" Jason Healy (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 6" Panagiotis Angeli (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Ikechukwu Orazi (Republic of Ireland).
  • 6" Daniel Negry-McGrath (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 9" Charalampos Kattirtzis (Cyprus) takes the corner.
  • 11" Mason Melia (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 14" Panagiotis Andreou (Cyprus) has an effort on goal.
  • 14" Jason Healy (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 14" Charalampos Kattirtzis (Cyprus) takes the corner.
  • 17" Anastasios Yiannakou (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Mason Melia (Republic of Ireland).
  • 17" Anastasios Yiannakou (Cyprus) is cautioned by the referee.
  • 17" Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 20" Symeon Hadjigeorgiou (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Luke Kehir (Republic of Ireland).
  • 20" Daniel Negry-McGrath (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 21" Panagiotis Angeli (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland).
  • 21" Kaylem Harnett (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 22" Ikechukwu Orazi (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 25" Panagiotis Angeli (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland).
  • 26" Luke Kehir (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 28" Panagiotis Angeli (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland).
  • 28" Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 32" Mason Melia (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 32" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) blocks a shot.
  • 32" Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
  • 33" Mason Melia (Republic of Ireland) is flagged for offside.
  • 34" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) takes the free-kick.
  • 35" Symeon Hadjigeorgiou (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Mason Melia (Republic of Ireland).
  • 36" Daniel Negry-McGrath (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 36" Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 36" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) blocks a shot.
  • 37" Ikechukwu Orazi (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on George Socratous (Cyprus).
  • 38" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) takes the free-kick.
  • 39" Chrysis Evangelou (Cyprus) scores!
  • 43" Daniel Negry-McGrath (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Charalampos Kattirtzis (Cyprus).
  • 44" Andreas Nikolaou (Cyprus) takes the free-kick.
  • 45+2" The referee blows for half-time.
  • 46" The second half begins.
  • 46" Romeo Akachukwu (in) - Niall Mcandrews (out) (@@teamID)
  • 51" Matthew Moore (in) - Kaylem Harnett (out) (@@teamID)
  • 52" Chrysis Evangelou (Cyprus) has an effort on goal.
  • 52" Jason Healy (Republic of Ireland) blocks a shot.
  • 52" Charalampos Kattirtzis (Cyprus) takes the corner.
  • 53" Mason Melia (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Andreas Nikolaou (Cyprus).
  • 53" Mason Melia (Republic of Ireland) is cautioned by the referee.
  • 54" Romeo Akachukwu (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 56" Ikechukwu Orazi (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
  • 57" George Socratous (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland).
  • 57" George Socratous (Cyprus) is cautioned by the referee.
  • 58" Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 59" Romeo Akachukwu (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 59" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) blocks a shot.
  • 61" Ioannis Avramidis (in) - Panagiotis Angeli (out) (@@teamID)
  • 61" Constantinos Poursaitides (in) - Charalampos Kattirtzis (out) (@@teamID)
  • 66" Constantinos Poursaitides (Cyprus) misses the target.
  • 66" Chrysis Evangelou (Cyprus) misses the target.
  • 67" Symeon Hadjigeorgiou (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland).
  • 67" Symeon Hadjigeorgiou (Cyprus) is cautioned by the referee.
  • 68" Luke Kehir (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 68" Luke Kehir (Republic of Ireland) scores!
  • 70" Andreas Konstantinou (in) - Eleftherios Isaak (out) (@@teamID)
  • 71" Christos Loukaidis (in) - Chrysis Evangelou (out) (@@teamID)
  • 73" Ikechukwu Orazi (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 73" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) blocks a shot.
  • 73" Ioannis Avramidis (Cyprus) scores!
  • 75" Romeo Akachukwu (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 76" George Socratous (Cyprus) is penalised for a foul on Ikechukwu Orazi (Republic of Ireland).
  • 76" George Socratous (Cyprus) is cautioned by the referee.
  • 76" George Socratous (Cyprus) is shown a second yellow card and is dismissed.
  • 77" Luke Kehir (Republic of Ireland) takes the free-kick.
  • 78" Luke Kehir (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 78" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) blocks a shot.
  • 78" Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland) takes the corner.
  • 80" Andreas Pirintzis (in) - Symeon Hadjigeorgiou (out) (@@teamID)
  • 80" Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 82" Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland) scores!
  • 85" Matthew Murray (in) - Ikechukwu Orazi (out) (@@teamID)
  • 86" Najemedine Razi (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 88" Romeo Akachukwu (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Andreas Pirintzis (Cyprus).
  • 88" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) takes the free-kick.
  • 89" Ioannis Avramidis (Cyprus) takes the corner.
  • 90" Romeo Akachukwu (Republic of Ireland) is penalised for a foul on Panagiotis Andreou (Cyprus).
  • 90" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) takes the free-kick.
  • 90+1" Mason Melia (Republic of Ireland) has an effort on goal.
  • 90+1" Nikitas Papakonstantinou (Cyprus) blocks a shot.
  • 90+4" Mason Melia (Republic of Ireland) misses the target.
  • 90+4" Nickson Okosun (in) - Luke Kehir (out) (@@teamID)
  • 90+6" Nickson Okosun (Republic of Ireland) scores!
  • 90+8" The final whistle is blown.

Match Statistics

  • Republic of Ireland
  • Cyprus

Corners Won

3 4

Shots on Target

9 5

Shots off Target

7 2

Fouls Committed

5 11
  • Republic of Ireland

    Cyprus

  • 3Goals2
  • 1Yellow Card(s)4
  • 0Red Card(s)1
  • 9Shots on Goal5
  • 7Shots Wide2
  • 0Shot(s) Blocked0
  • 3Save(s)6
  • 16Total Shots7
  • 5Fouls Committed11
  • 3Corner(s)4
  • 1Offside(s)0