An excellent strike from Katie Lawlee wasn't enough to inspire a comeback as the Ireland Women's Under-19s lost 3-1 to Sweden in Albena, Bulgaria.

This was the first game of the 2025/26 UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship Qualifiers and it was a tough start for Dave Connell's team.

They fell behind after four minutes when Swedish forward Ella Lundin fired in and the scores remained that way until past the hour mark when Ludin got her second of the game.

Treaty United ace Lawlee, however, pulled one back on 73 minutes when she stole possession and blasted a low drive into the back of the net.

The Girls in Green pushed to get back into the contest but a late goal from Agnes Ekberg sealed the win for Sweden, who took the three points in this Group A5 opener.

Next up is a clash with Poland on Saturday before meeting Bulgaria on Tuesday to finish off these Round 1 Qualifiers and see who advances to the Elite Round.

Ireland: Enya Carthy; Sophia Leonard, Lillie Quinlivan Coulson, Finley Newell, Clodagh Daly (Charlotte Cromack 72), Ella Kelly; Aoibhe Brennan, Katie Lawlee; Madison McGuane (Hannah O'Brien 72), Anna Butler (Della Cowper Gray 71), Hannah Healy (Hazel Donegan 81).