REPORT | Republic of Ireland WNT 4-0 Morocco

Republic of Ireland WNT midfielder Katie McCabe in action against Morocco in an International Friendly in Marbella, Spain SPORTSFILE

The Republic of Ireland Women's National Team rounded off a memorable year with a 4-0 victory over Morocco in an International Friendly in the Marbella Football Center.

This was the 10th game of 2022 for Vera Pauw's squad and they sealed the win courtesy of goals from Megan Campbell, Katie McCabe, Louise Quinn and Kyra Carusa.

On what was Quinn’s 100th senior appearance, Ireland went with a strong starting line-up and had the uncapped duo of goalkeeper Katie Keane and midfielder Erin McLaughlin on the bench for the first time.

Defender Jessie Stapleton was not part of the match-day squad due to a knock picked up in a training game against the same opponent three days before – which ended in a 2-2 draw courtesy of an Abbie Larkin header and a penalty from Saoirse Noonan.

In this game, which was classified as a full international, Ireland made a fast start with Campbell scoring her fourth senior goal when she cut inside her marker to curl a left-footed effort into the back of the net after just two minutes.

Morocco barely had a chance to regroup when they conceded a penalty that McCabe converted. Two goals up before the clock had even hit double digits.

The African side did hit back with a period of pressure and midfielder Amani Salma went close with a shot on 19 minutes.

Just past the half hour, Lily Agg tried her luck with a volley from distance but it was off target. Still it was a sign of Ireland findng their groove again.

Just before the interval, Seghir Sabbah unloaded a long-range strike after intercepting a pass from Courtney Brosnan but the Ireland goalkeeper was equal to the effort.

Shelbourne forward Abbie Larkin was introduced for the second half and three more changes came on 62 minutes with Wexford Youths midfielder Aoibheann Clancy making her senior debut.

Ireland got back into goalscoring form when Quinn added the third, which was her 16th overall in team history and the first with her foot – or at least rebounded in off her foot.

Substitute Carusa made it 4-0 on 79 minutes when she made sure it was a Birthday to remember by heading in from close range after peeling away from the Morocco defence.

Ireland will take a lot of positives from this game, and the eight days training in Marbella, as they build towards next summer's FIFA Women's World Cup.

Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Diane Caldwell (Hayley Nolan 80); Jamie Finn (Abbie Larkin 46), Lily Agg, Denise O’Sullivan (Aoibheann Clancy 62), Megan Campbell (Chloe Mustaki 62); Áine O’Gorman, Katie McCabe; Amber Barrett (Kyra Carusa 62).

Morocco: Zouhair Assia; Mazrouai Rkia, Atiq Maryem, Yasmin Mrabet, Seghir Sabbah (Bouharat Ibtissam 76); Ouzraoui Diki Sakina (Jbilou Hajar 76), Nakkach Elodie Nahla, Daoudi Sana, Bouftini Sofia (Saoud Imane 61); Amani Salma; Belkasmi Anissa.

Referee: Jason Lee Barcelo (Gibraltar).