Lonergan's late penalty keeps Ireland U21 alive in European play‑offs

Tommy Lonergan's cool spot‑kick in the 86th minute gave the Republic of Ireland U21 side a 4‑3 win over Kazakhstan U21 at Turner's Cross, keeping their European U‑21 Championship play‑off hopes alive. The match unfolded in blustery rain, with both teams trading goals before the decisive penalty.

Early fireworks and a stormy setting

The game started under yellow‑warning wind and rain showers that made the pitch slippery. Kazakhstan burst into the lead after just 12 seconds when Artyom Litosh collected Yan Trufanov’s flick‑on and fired a brilliant finish past Noah Jauny and the crossbar. Litosh had already troubled England three minutes into their encounter, a 4‑2 defeat for the English side, and the Kazakh line‑up also featured forward Ali Turganov.

Ireland responded quickly, with Jamie Mullins delivering a low corner that Alex Murphy volleyed into the near post for his first goal at this level. Within eight minutes, Trent Kone‑Doherty’s incisive link‑up allowed Lonergan to fire home, making it 2‑1. Kazakhstan restored parity before the break when left‑back Ramazan Karimov, supplied by Litosh, struck from outside the box into the far corner. Earlier in the campaign, Oisín Gallagher had revived hopes with a last‑minute strike in Turkestan.

Late drama and the road to the play‑offs

In the second half, both sides traded blows, with Sam Curtis’s deflected header and Sagi Malikaidar’s long‑throw goal forcing a 3‑3 deadlock. Referee Loic Thomas initially pointed to a penalty for Ireland, but after a brief hesitation he awarded a free kick and booked Kone‑Doherty for diving. The decisive moment arrived in the 86th minute when Lonergan was fouled by Sherhan Kalmurza and calmly slotted the spot‑kick, sending the Irish fans into rapturous celebration.

Kazakhstan’s hopes dwindled when Litosh received a second yellow card in the 95th minute for an off‑the‑ball incident, reducing the visitors to ten men. Ireland’s defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Noah Jauny and centre‑back Cathal McCarthy, held firm despite a late surge from the Kazakhs, with Jauny making several crucial saves, including a reflex stop from Litosh’s second‑half effort. The final whistle confirmed a 4‑3 victory for Jim Crawford’s side.

The win nudged Ireland into second place behind Slovakia, albeit with an extra game already played. To reach the play‑offs, the Irish must either beat England or rely on an Andorran result against Slovakia. Slovakia, managed by Lee Carsley, face the table‑toppers on Friday before the final round on 6 October.

The thrilling encounter will be remembered for its relentless pace and the decisive spot‑kick by Lonergan. will continue to follow Ireland U21’s campaign as they chase a place in the European U‑21 Championship play‑offs.