IRELAND followed up their 2-2 draw last friday today with a 1-1 draw against Sweden in the Under-19 European Qualifiers.
Aidomo Emakhu scored with a lovely finish as Ireland drew level shortly after Jusef Erabi gave Sweden an earlier lead.
A squad of 23 led by Tom Mohan will fly out to Spain to prepare for the next qualifiers against Bulgaria next month, where they play Bulgaria, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro in their group.
Mohan made eleven changes in total from his side's first meeting with the Swedish less than 72 hours earlier, which was their first fixture in 689 days.
Sweden began with a tense opening to the game. The Swedes led through the first half thanks to striker Jusef Erabi.
Arlo Doherty had initially made a great save but following a scramble on the edge of the penalty area, Erabi pounced to tap home.
Ireland responded and with half an hour gone replied with a well-taken equaliser through Aidomo Emakhu.
🇮🇪 | Congratulations to Aidomo Emakhu who scored on his @FAIreland U19's debut in a 1-1 draw v Sweden in Marbella, Spain earlier today 🇪🇸
We're all very proud of you, @AidomoE 💚#IrishRover 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/duDbUBa51X— Shamrock Rovers FC ☘️ (@ShamrockRovers) October 11, 2021
Emakhu pounced on the loose ball following some hesitancy from the opposition’s defence and finished superbly to level the game.
Ireland were in the ascendancy and almost completed a sensational comeback soon after.
A great move down the right-hand side saw Ben McCormack fire the ball into the net, their celebrations ended quickly as the linesman flagged for offside.
The second period was marred by a serious-looking injury to McCormack.
With the game drawing to a close, Ireland almost snatched victory but substitute Cristiano Fitzgerald was denied following good pressing in the attacking third as the two teams took a share of the spoils.
Republic of Ireland: Doherty, Gallagher (Seary 57), Mills, Abankwah (Garcia MacNulty 84), Adedokun (Adaramola 84), Corbally, McJannett (Lawal 84), Vaughan (Mullins 84), McCormack (Finn Benoa 71), Hayes (Fitzgerald 84), Emakhu (Pearce 63).
Sweden: Guadagno, Robak, Nilsson, Ayari, Dahl, Widell, Olsson, Erabi, Swedberg, Navik, Qasem.
See More: Football, Ireland U19s
