Ireland U21s have seen off Turkey in breathtaking style with a 96th minute winner from Aidomo Emakhu at Turners Cross this evening.
Ireland went down early, with Turkey converting a penalty through Kenan Yildiz, against the run of play.
Frustratingly, Ireland struggled to level the game, until the captain and young Brighton star, Andrew Moran, produced a wonder goal in the 56th minute.
After the ball came out to him on the edge of the area following a corner, he controlled it beautifully in the air and hammered it into the top corner past an array of bodies.
However, Turkey weren't to be deterred by a raucous home crowd and regained their lead in the 76th minute.
Ireland U21s Pull Off Miracle Win Against Turkey
İY | 🇮🇪 İrlanda Cumhuriyeti (U21) 0 🆚 1 Türkiye (U21) 🇹🇷
⚽️ Kenan Yıldız 22' (P) pic.twitter.com/s5aGSfcdHX
— A Spor (@aspor) September 8, 2023
Wonderstrike by Andrew Moran for the Ireland U21s in Cork🚀
Is it too late to call him up for the Netherlands game on Sunday?pic.twitter.com/JNqgPHsAvp
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 8, 2023
GOOOOL | 🇮🇪 İrlanda Cumhuriyeti (U21) 1 🆚 2 Türkiye (U21) 🇹🇷
⚽️ Cihan 76' pic.twitter.com/BpBjnIDrZR
— A Spor (@aspor) September 8, 2023
Captain fantastic Moran stepped up once more late in the game to win a penalty, which was slotted home by Blackburn Rovers' Zak Gilsenan.
Then came one of the best moments in Irish men's football in recent years as Emakhu produced a classy first time finish, which went in off the post and left the keeper completely beaten.
After the final whistle, Ireland's Sean Roughan was sent off following a scuffle between the two benches.
None the less, it is an excellent start for Ireland in their 2025 U21s European Championship qualifying campaign, ahead of their clash with face San Marino next Tuesday.
GOL | 🇮🇪 İrlanda Cumhuriyeti (U21) 2 🆚 2 Türkiye (U21) 🇹🇷
⚽️ Gilsenan 87' (P) pic.twitter.com/6LIy63prFJ
— A Spor (@aspor) September 8, 2023
GOL | 🇮🇪 İrlanda Cumhuriyeti (U21) 3 🆚 2 Türkiye (U21) 🇹🇷
⚽️ Emakhu 90+6' pic.twitter.com/cNz6ae7RnW
— A Spor (@aspor) September 8, 2023
Sending off for Ireland.
The benches have had a few scuffles.Sean Roughan getting a 2nd yellow
from the bench. And is lifting the Irish
crowd as he walks down the tunnel 😂#IRLU21— Kieran (@TheIrishKieran) September 8, 2023
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