Sensational comeback sees Ireland U21s beat Turkey
UEFA European Under-21 Qualifiers Group A
Republic of Ireland 3 (Moran 56, Gilsenan 87 pen, Emakhu 90+6) Turkey 2 (K Yildiz 21 pen, Canak 76)
Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s completed a sensational late comeback to dumbfound Turkey and get their European qualifying campaign off to a winning start.
It was Jim Crawford’s substitutions that sealed the deal, with Zak Gilsenan’s 87th-minute penalty bringing the hosts level before Aidomo Emakhu found the winner six minutes into added time.
It was a perfect finish to Ireland’s first competitive match back at Turner’s Cross in 14 years, overcoming a disallowed goal and some Turkish gamesmanship to get the three points in front of 3,754 fans.
Their near-miss in the last campaign, losing a play-off on penalties to Israel, saw them upgraded to second seeds but the draw hadn’t been any kinder, pairing them against Italy (again), Norway, and the Turks.
They have immediately gained ground on the top-seeded Italians, though, after they dropped points in a scoreless draw away to Latvia.
The senior side’s loss to France had a knock-on effect on Crawford’s under-21s as Stephen Kenny called up striker Sinclair Armstrong to help replace Evan Ferguson and Will Keane. But in captain Andrew Moran, Gilsenan, and Emakhu, they had the firepower to overcome his absence.
They started the stronger and troubled Turkey from the off, almost opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Seán Roughan’s corner was met by Sam Curtis but his powerful header was blocked on the line.
Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, given his Serie A debut last month, had been identified as Turkey’s dangerman but his first burst forward was ended by hometown hero Matt Healy. The Corkman got back to his feet to send Johnny Kenny
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