A last minute goal from Pijus Otegbayo earned a 2-2 draw for Tom Mohan’s Men’s Under-19s in Albania.

The Stoke City defender got on the end of an Ike Orazi cross to head home the equaliser in stoppage time.

Ireland had led through Daniel Mare on 52 minutes. Orazi, who captained the team, provided a trivela-styled cross that caused problems for the Albania goalkeeper who palmed into the path of Mare to convert over the line.

Albania got back into the contenst with Bjorni Duka and Xheto Joi Nuredini scoring in the 62th and 70th minute.  Mohan made four changes after the going behind and they would prove effective.

Orazi picked out Otegbayo, who was introduced from the bench 10 minutes earlier, and he met the cross with a powerful header to leave Daniel Culi with no chance and earn the draw.

Albania: Culi, Avdullari, Cekrezi, Sina, Hugi, Krasniqi, Nuredini, Kulla, El Malem, Llana, Sheji. Substitutes: Huli, Nuhaj, Gjoka, Ndoj, Kapllanaj, Duka, Kasami, Vogli, Gjyla.

Ireland: Gill, Egan (Roche, 57’), McGlinchey (Otegbayo, 80’), McCarthy, McCarthy, King (Lynskey, 19’), Mare, Moore, Orazi, Byrne (Ochoa Moloney, 66’), O’Sullivan (Brennan, 80).

International Friendly Results

Friday, October 10 | Albania 2-1 Ireland
Sunday, October 12 | Albania 2-2 Ireland