A first-half goal by Naj Razi gave Republic of Ireland Men's Under-17 a 1-0 win over Hungary in Spain this afternoon.
It was the first of two friendly games between the countries as Head Coach Colin O'Brien steps up preparation for next month's U17 EURO qualifiers.
Ireland took the lead after 19 minutes when Shamrock Rovers pair Razi and Ike Orazi combined. Orazi broke down the left, beating several Hungarian players before crossing for his club make to tap home.
In an even encounter Ireland were denied an opportunity to go two ahead when Bohemians’ striker Nickson Okosun was seemingly brought down in the penalty area but the referee waved away Irish protests.
Shortly after that incident, Hungary had their first chance of the half when a deflected effort forced Waterford goalkeeper Jason Healy into a smart save.
In the second half, Hungary began stronger and then in the 66th minute they had a glorious chance to equalise when Levente Toth fired a shot that flashed across the face of goal.
O'Brien made changes towards the end of the game with Finn Harps' Aaron McLaughlin introduced for his Ireland debut. Ireland saw out the game and finished the match stronger of the two teams and will head into Saturday's game with much confidence.
Republic of Ireland: Healy, Babb, C. O’Sullivan, Grante, Turley (C) (Ashbee, 66), McAndrew (Akachukwu, 75), McGrath, Murray (Mooney, 60), Razi (Moore, 75), Orazi (McLauglin,75), Okosun (Melia, 60)
Hungary: Yaakobishvili, Lengyel, Hornyak, UMathium, Balabas, Simon, Bagi, Varga, Kaczvinszki (C), Szabo, Toth
Substitutes: Lechoczki, Molnar, Girsik, Burghart, Kubicesek, Mohai, Somfalvi, Fenyo, Vidnyanszky, Molnar, Katona, Bogdan
Referee: Ojas Valera (Spain)
International Friendly result/fixtures
Thursday, February 9 | Ireland MU17 1-0 Hungary MU17
Saturday, February 11 | Ireland MU17 v Hungary MU17, Pinatar Arena, Spain, KO 1pm
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