Republic of Ireland slip to deserved defeat in Kosovo
The Republic of Ireland slipped to a 1-0 defeat away to Kosovo in their Nations League opener in Pristina.
Kosovo vs Republic of Ireland. UEFA Nations League Group B3.
Report from the UEFA Nations League Group B3 match between Kosovo and the Republic of Ireland in Pristina; Heimir Hallgrimsson's Boys in Green slip to deserved defeat courtesy of Vedat Muriqi's late goal
The Republic of Ireland slipped to a 1-0 defeat away to Kosovo in their Nations League opener in Pristina.
The build-up to the League B3 encounter had been overshadowed by the controversy around upcoming fixtures against Israel , which Republic boss Heimir Hallgrimsson had admitted many of his squad members were uncomfortable about playing.
Chiedozie Ogbene had fired an early chance over before Kosovo responded to finish the first half strongly at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium.
The home side saw two shots cleared off the line and Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher then clawed away a header from Vedat Muriqi as Hallgrimsson's side got to the break on level terms.
Ireland - who are scheduled to play Israel in Hungary on Sunday and then again in a 'home' tie at another neutral venue in Serbia seven days later - dug in for the second half but were eventually undone with seven minutes left when Kosovo captain Muriqi bundled the ball in from close range.
Udinese defender James Abankwah was handed a first competitive start as part of a back five, with in-form Real Betis striker Troy Parrott the lone forward and Dara O'Shea taking the captain's armband.
Ireland created what ended up being their only real clear chance in the 22nd minute. Abankwah got away down the right and ran into the Kosovo penalty area before cutting the ball back to Ogbene, who sent a curling effort over the crossbar.
Kosovo, who are in League B for the first time, went close on the half-hour mark when a cross from the left found its way through to Muriqi, whose angled shot was cleared off the line by Jayson Molumby.
Veldin Hodza then saw his 10-yard strike blocked in front of goal by O'Shea before Kelleher got up to claw away a looping header from Muriqi, which was set for the top corner.
Ireland made a positive start to the second half, with a deep cross from the right by Abankwah finding Parrott at the far post and his header was gathered by Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.
Kosovo, though, continued to carry a threat themselves. Baton Zabergja sent a 20-yard effort just wide of the top corner, which again got the home supporters into full voice.
Muriqi forced Kelleher into another smart reaction save from an angled shot at the near post before Kosovo eventually made the breakthrough in the 83rd minute.
Ermal Krasniqi's shot was deflected onto the crossbar and Muriqi reacted quickest in a crowded six-yard box to nod the ball over the line.
Kosovo should have got a second late on when substitute Krasniqi dragged his shot wide after being set up by Muriqi following a break onto a long ball.
