Ireland U16’s denied by late goal

JOHN MORLING’S Republic of Ireland U16 team were denied victory by a late Israel equaliser in their friendly international in Ra’anana, southern Israel, yesterday.

Ireland had came from behind to lead with goals from Michael Drennan and Carel Tiofack.

Israel enjoyed a sustained period of pressure in a frantic start to Ireland’s first international of 2010. The home side took a rather fortuitous lead after 11 minutes when cross from the left wing from Assaf Madar was pushed into his own net by Glenea United goalkeeper Joe Coll.

Ireland drew level in the 22nd minute when Waterford-based midfielder Kenneth McEvoy’s cross was handled in the area by an Israeli defender. Evergreen’s Michael Drennan stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty past goalkeeper Yarrin Hassan.

Ireland took the lead in the 48th minute through prolific Ballincollig, Cork striker Carel Tiofack, who blasted home from close range following a goalmouth scramble.

But in a dramatic finale Israel claimed an equaliser following five minutes of extra-time when substitute Orel Horev powerfully headed past Coll.

The sides will clash again in Tel Aviv tomorrow, 9am Irish time.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Coll (Glenea Utd); Hyland (Belvedere FC), Smith (Arsenal), Smith (Cherry Orchard), Griffin (Carrigaline Utd, Cork), McEvoy (Villa, Waterford), Gallagher (Cherry Orchard), Dillon (Belvedere FC), Drennan (Evergreen), Murphy (Reading), Tiofack (Ballincollig, Cork).

Subs: Osobe (Glenmuir Utd) for Gallagher, 32); Kavanagh (Ringmahon Rangers, Cork) for Hyland, 48); Miele (Cherry Orchard) for Tiofack, 74).