Mohan upbeat as Ireland top qualifying group

The Republic of Ireland finished their Uefa U17 Championships Qualifying Round group in pole position after a 1-1 draw with Sweden in Lohja, Finland, yesterday.

Tom Mohan’s side ensured a better seeding in the Elite Phase after an impressive three games in Finland.

Glen McAuley scored Ireland’s goal just before half-time and the Irish looked set to record a clean sweep of victories before conceding a late equaliser from Chelsea’s Joseph Colley with three minutes left.

Declan Rice had an early opportunity in the third minute after a Daniel McKenna corner, but his effort was off target.

Striker McAuley had a chance in the 27th minute, but Swedish keeper Pontus Dahlberg made a save. Two minutes later, Irish keeper Paul Martin was called into action to deny Seaed Haksabanovic.

McAuley eventually opened the scoring in the 39th minute when he turned the ball home at the back post after Rice had knocked the ball back in following an Irish corner.

Two minutes into the second half Aidan Keena missed a chance to extend Ireland’s lead. Ireland defended for long spells and were comfortable, but unfortunately a defensive mix-up allowed Colley an equaliser in the 77th minute.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND:

Paul Martin, Daniel McKenna (Michael Cregan 62), Tyreke Wilson, Declan Rice, Canice Carroll, Jayson Molumby, Lee O’Connor, Stephen Mallon, Lukas Browning, Dara O’Shea, Glen McAuley (Aidan Keena 41).