The Republic of Ireland secured a impressive 1-1 draw against Senegal on a lively Friday night at the Aviva Stadium, in an encounter that provided valuable experience against high-calibre African opposition.

Kasey McAteer marked his performance with a first international goal to give the home side the lead, before substitute Ismaila Sarr found a late equaliser for Senegal, extending their impressive unbeaten run to 21 games.

The Boys in Green started brightly, showing attacking intent from the outset. Kasey McAteer and Jack Taylor combined effectively on the right wing in the opening exchanges, with McAteer showing good strength to hold off two Senegalese defenders before his cross was claimed by goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf in the second minute.

At the other end, the visitors quickly demonstrated their threat, winning a couple of early corners. The first nearly spelled disaster for Ireland as Krépin Diatta’s low, drilled delivery was almost turned into his own net by Dara O’Shea, the ball mercifully scraping wide. Lamine Camara then blazed over the bar in the 14th minute, while Will Smallbone saw his effort drift wide for Ireland four minutes later.

Ireland’s positive play was rewarded with the opening goal in the 21st minute. A clever flick from Ryan Manning into the box was nodded on by Nathan Collins, and while McAteer’s initial header was saved by Diouf, the winger reacted quickest to the rebound, emphatically firing home his first goal for the Boys in Green. McAteer wasn’t just an attacking threat; he also demonstrated his defensive diligence with a crucial challenge on Habib Diarra in the 38th minute to halt a promising Senegal attack.

As halftime approached, Senegal’s Antoine Mendy fired over from a defensive header inside the box, meaning Pape Thiaw’s side went into the break without having truly tested Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher.

Ireland began the second half with renewed attacking vigour. Jason Knight, who enjoyed an impressive midfield battle against Diatta and Diarra, threaded an excellent ball through to Smallbone. The Southampton midfielder drew a smart save from Diouf, and while Manning raced to the rebound, Antoine Mendy made an excellent last-ditch challenge to deflect the ball for a corner.

Kelleher was finally called into significant action in the 52nd minute. Diatta rose highest to meet a dangerous cross from the left, but the Corkman showed his agility, getting his fingertips to the ball to tip it onto the crossbar and deny the visitors.

Just on the hour mark, Ireland had a strong penalty shout as Ismail Jakobs appeared to handle the ball inside the box, but Swedish referee Adam Ladeback waved away the protests from the home players.

Kelleher had to be alert again in the 68th minute when substitute Ismaila Sarr latched onto an excellent through ball. The Irish keeper was quick off his line to snuff out the danger at the post. He followed this with a strong save from a long-range effort moments later.

Senegal eventually found their equaliser in the 82nd minute. Iliman Ndiaye delivered a dangerous cross into the box; Cherif Ndiaye’s initial shot was well saved by Kelleher, but Sarr was on hand to pounce on the rebound and bundle the ball over the line.

A late flashpoint saw some tension boil over following a handball decision against Ireland debutant Killian Phillips on the edge of the box. Adam Idah was involved in some shoving with the visitors, resulting in bookings for both Idah and Iliman Ndiaye. Lamine Camara’s subsequent free-kick struck the wall, and the referee blew for full-time shortly after, bringing an entertaining and competitive friendly to a close.

Republic of Ireland: Caoimhín Kelleher (GK); Robbie Brady (Liam Scales, 85), Nathan Collins, Dara O'Shea, Matt Doherty (Killian Phillips, 66); Jason Knight, Will Smallbone (Andrew Moran, 80), Ryan Manning (Jake O'Brien, 66), Kasey McAteer (Festy Ebosele, 80); Adam Idah, Jack Taylor (Evan Ferguson, 58).
Subs not used: Max O'Leary, Joshua Keeley, Josh Honohan, Andrew Omobamidele, John Patrick, Troy Parrott.
Booked: Adam Idah (90).

Senegal: Yehvann Diouf; Abdou Diallo, Ismail Jakobs (El Diouf, 85), Antoine Mendy, Abdoulaye Seck; Habib Diarra, Krépin Diatta (Lamine Camara, 63), Mamadou Lamine Camara (Cheikh Sabaly, 77), Iliman Ndiaye, Abdallah Sima (Ismaila Sarr, 63); Boulaye Dia (Cherif Ndiaye, 77).
Subs not used: Edouard Mendy, Mory Diaw, Kalidou Koulibaly, Papa Gueye, Idrissa Gueye, Nicolas Jackson, Cheikh Niasse.
Booked: Cherif Ndiaye (90).

Referee: Adam Ladeback (SWE).
Attendance: 32,478.
Sky Ireland Player of the Match: Kasey McAteer (Rep. of Ireland).