A goal in each half led France to a 2-0 victory over Ireland Women's Under-17s in their opening 2025-26 UEFA European Championship Round 1 Qualifier.

Maelys Ane put France ahead after 19 minutes of this Group A2 game in Frankfurt, Germany and that proved to be the difference until Léa Motyka finished it off late on.

This was a tough one to take for James Scott's team who produced a lot of quality in their passing, movement and transition play, while also registering eight shots on goal.

Shelbourne ace Halle Harcourt had a chance to put Ireland ahead inside 10 minutes but missed the target, while Amelia Fahey, Lara Dallaghan and Hailey Twomey also went close in the first half.

France made two changes at the interval as they felt that Ireland were starting to seize control of the momentum and they showed their class by dominating in key areas at certain times.

However, Ireland were never out of this contest until the last-minute goal from Motyka with Shamrock Rovers forward Kassie McLoughlin unloading a couple of efforts at the opposition goal.

The Girls in Green will next take on Belgium on Sunday, October 26th as they look to keep their dream of making next summer's final tournament alive.

Ireland: Sarah Doyle; Lara Dallaghan, Amelia Fahey, Keelin Comiskey, Ava Hallinan; Madison McGuane, Emma Mooney (Ciara Milton 77); Halle Harcourt (Caelan Bacon 67), Sophie Byrne (Alex Devoy 55), Hailey Twomey (Ellen Goggin 67); Kassie McLoughlin.

UEFA European WU17 Championship Round 1 Qualifiers
Group A2
Thursday, October 23rd | France 1-0 Ireland
Sunday, October 26th | Belgium v Ireland, DFB Campus, Frankfurt, KO 15:30
Wednesday, October 29th | Ireland v Germany, DFB Campus, Frankfurt, KO 12:00